Headaches

Headaches in children are common and usually aren't serious. You may have pain at one or both sides of your head, or at the back of your head and down into your neck, or across your forehead, or a feeling like a tight band squeezing around your head. What causes headaches

Headaches can be caused by: lcertain medications (headaches are a potential side effect of some) ltoo little sleep or sudden changes in sleep patterns lfever, like when you have a cold or are 'sickening' for some illness lbeing in the sun too long and not drinking enough water when it is hot linfections around the head, like in the ears, nose, and throat lhead injuries from a bump or accident lsitting watching a computer too long lmigraine leye problems lstress (playing online games can stress people out. Your muscles get tense, especially in your neck and shoulders). lnoise - it doesn't have to be loud rock music - it could be a noisy classroom or household, or a noisy factory nearby. lsmelling strong odors such as perfume, smoke, fumes, or a new car or carpet

In some cases, headaches are caused by certain infections, such as: lear infections lviral infections, like the flu or common cold lstrep throat lsinus infections lLyme disease

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Head injuries Getting a bump on the head can give you a headache. If someone is hit hard enough to be unconscious, even for a few seconds, then that person has been concussed. Always tell an adult if you bump your head.

Vision problems

Not being able to see well can cause headaches. If you can't see the blackboard well, if writing looks blurred, if you can see things close up but not further away, then your eyes have to work really hard and this can give you a headache.

Some people get a headache in bright light or sunlight.

Stress

If you are feeling really worried about something, you can sometimes get a headache. If you are so worried that you are not sleeping well, then it is a good idea to have a talk with one of your trusted adults and see if you can fix the problem.

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What you can do

lIf you have a headache, it's a good idea to find somewhere quiet to rest if you can.

lDrinking cool water, putting a cool wet cloth on your head and closing your eyes works well for some headaches, including those caused by migraine, fever, sickness, or too much sun, stress or worry.

lDo some relaxation exercises to help your muscles relax. An easy one is to start with your toes then work your way up the body, tensing and relaxing all your muscles in turn. At the same time, make your breathing slow and deep so that you are thinking about that rather than the pain or worry.