Headache is a very common symptom in children and can start as early as infancy. Before puberty, girls and boys are equally affected, but after puberty, girls are three times more affected.
Types of headaches
Recurrent headache can be primary ( for example, migraine) or secondary as a result of other disorders.
Migraine can be associated with aura, which are warning signs like disturbed vision, strange taste or smell, etc before a headache.
Unlike adults, migraine can also be bilateral in children.
Causes of migraine
Tendency to suffer from migraine is inherited in some cases, It can be triggered by food, lack of sleep, etc.
Majority of children are relieved of migraine by late teen age.
Management
It can be by non-medicinal methods like psychological counselling or keeping headache diary to avoid triggers.
Medicines are of two types, first are relievers to treat acute symptoms or second group are Preventers to prevent repeated episodes.
