Headaches in Children
Neurological evaluation of recurrent headaches with imaging only when clinically indicated.
Headache is common in children and is often benign, yet it causes significant family anxiety. Careful history and examination help avoid unnecessary imaging while detecting serious causes early. Prof. Dr. Serap Uysal builds a child-specific plan using a headache diary, triggers, and school-sleep routine. Migraine and tension-type headache occur in childhood; treatment often combines lifestyle measures with medication when appropriate.
Scope of assessment
Pain location, severity, duration, nausea, photophobia, and visual disturbance are recorded. Morning worsening, sleep relation, and fever are noted. Neurological examination searches for raised intracranial pressure or focal signs. MRI and other imaging are planned only with clinical indication, and families learn the purpose in advance. A family history of migraine often appears in children with similar patterns, yet each child is assessed individually.
When to seek evaluation
Sudden severe “worst ever” headache, headache with seizure, fever with neck stiffness, or rapidly increasing frequency and severity may need urgent assessment. Weekly school absence from pain or accompanying behavior change warrants scheduling. Frequent painkiller use may suggest rebound headache and should be reviewed.
- Sudden severe headache with altered consciousness
- Headache with fever and suspected neck stiffness
- Increasing frequency and severity over weeks
- Vision loss, double vision, or imbalance
- Morning vomiting on waking
Visit and follow-up process
A two-week headache diary is often recommended. Lifestyle guidance covers regular sleep, hydration, and screen limits. For migraine and tension-type headache, behavioral measures plus medication when needed are usually sufficient. Follow-up tracks pain frequency and school attendance. If warning signs appear, imaging or further tests are discussed without delay.
Clinical approach
The child’s description is supported with age-appropriate questions; stress around exams is explored in school-age children. The approach avoids “MRI for every headache” while keeping the process transparent when imaging is truly indicated. Emergency criteria are clarified in writing or verbally. Regular sleep and routine often bring substantial relief; medication doses are age-appropriate.