While busy playing, suddenly the little one complained "Bun, head" Ayou're sick!" Sbefore you guess what the cause ishis, come on, find out What can be the cause of a child's headache?.
Headache is the onset of pain in the head, it can be in one area only, it can also be in all parts of the head. This pain can be throbbing, like a bandage, or like a stabbing, and it can last for minutes, hours, or even days.
List of Causes of Headaches in Children
Just like adults, children can also experience headaches. The causes also vary, ranging from small things, such as lack of sleep, to serious things, such as disturbances in the brain organs. Here are some of the most common causes of headaches in children:
1. Feeling pressured at home or school
Feelings of stress and anxiety can be the cause of headaches in children. This feeling can arise when the child has a problem with his friend, for example fighting or being a victim bullying. In addition, problems with teachers, problems with parents, or unsatisfactory test scores can also be triggers.
2. Lack of sleep or irregular sleep schedule
When a child sleeps, his body will get time to rest, repair damaged cells and tissues, and optimize the growth process. If the child is sleep deprived, the whole process will be disrupted. The child's body will also produce pain-inducing proteins that can cause headaches.
So, if your little one doesn't get enough sleep and he complains of a headache, let him rest or take a nap, and arrange for him to go to bed earlier at night. After your little one gets enough sleep, the headache will soon subside.
3. Hunger or dehydration
Maybe you don't think that hunger and dehydration can cause your child to have a headache. In fact, this is precisely what often happens, you know.
Children need at least 3 main meals and 2 snacks, as well as 1-2 liters of water per day, depending on the age of the child.
When you are hungry or dehydrated, your blood vessels can tighten and narrow, including the blood vessels in your head. This can cause headaches. That's why, if your little one skips meals or doesn't drink enough, he could have a headache.
4. Head injury
Children who are actively moving may fall or get hit, causing head injuries, such as bumps or bruises. Injuries to the head can also cause headaches.
nowIf your little one complains of a headache after falling and being hit very hard, you should immediately take him to the doctor for examination. If left untreated, head injuries can be dangerous, even fatal.
5. Infection
Minor infections, such as colds and flu, are the most common cause of headaches in children. However, more serious infections, such as meningitis, can also be characterized by headaches. Therefore, you need to pay close attention to the symptoms that accompany your little one's headaches.
Take your child to the doctor if his headache is accompanied by other complaints, such as fever, sore throat, diarrhea, or vomiting.
How to Treat Headaches in Children at Home
Generally, headaches in children are not serious and can go away after taking painkillers, such as paracetamol, or go away on their own after rest.
The following are some tips that you can do at home to treat headaches in children:
- Lay your little one with his head slightly raised, for example supported by a pillow. Try to keep the atmosphere of the room quite dark and quiet, so that the child feels more relaxed and comfortable.
- Place a cold or warm compress on your little one's forehead, nape and neck. Compress for 20 minutes in each area.
- Bathe your little one with warm water.
- Gently massage the baby's neck, temples, scalp, back of the head, and shoulders with essential oils.
Although headaches in children are generally caused by conditions that are not dangerous and can be treated at home, mothers need to recognize headaches that require immediate medical attention, namely if the headache is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, forgetfulness, and seizures.
Mothers also need to check with your little one to the doctor if the headaches he experiences make him wake up from sleep or occur quite often, which is more than 2 times a week.
