Headaches have long become commonplace for modern man. But if an adult with such ailment can simply take a pill without worrying too much about his condition, then headache causes some anxiety in children.
Symptoms of childhood headache
Each case of headache in a child is individual. Symptoms depend on the type of pain. Children mainly experience the following types of headaches:
- migraine;
- cluster or beam;
- psychogenic or tension headache.
Headaches also often accompany colds.
| Type of headache | Periodicity | Localization | Character | Duration of attack | Associated symptoms |
| Simple migraine | several times a month | two- or one-sided | pulsating | from 6 hours to 2 days | intolerance to bright light, nausea, vomiting, weakness |
| Classic migraine | one-sided | from 3 to 12 hours | intolerance to bright light, visual aura, vomiting, nausea, weakness | ||
| Facial migraine | unilateral, predominant in the lower half of the face | pulsating or dull | from 6 hours to 2 days | vomiting, nausea | |
| Psychogenic | constant | diffuse bilateral | pressing, squeezing, resembles a tight hoop, dull | constant | depression, anxiety, guilt, melancholy |
| Cluster | daily attacks alternate with long periods of remission | unilateral, predominates in the orbital area | sharp, boring | from 15 to 20 minutes | runny nose, lacrimation, facial redness |
| For sinusitis | several times a month or constantly | bi- or unilateral, predominant in the upper part of the face | sharp or dull | differently | runny nose |
Why does my child have a headache?
There are many causes of headaches. For childhood The most typical influence of the following factors.
Poor nutrition
The child's body reacts very sensitively to all substances that enter it with food. Semi-finished products, sausages, chips, carbonated drinks - these “delicacies” are beyond the power of a child under 5 years old. His body is not yet able to process the significant amount of preservatives, flavors and flavor enhancers contained in such products. Also, headaches can be caused by excess vitamin A in the diet: carrots, apricots, peaches are useful only when consumed in moderation.
The newborn baby continues to be influenced by the diet his mother followed during pregnancy. Insufficient nutrition leads to a decrease in the level of glucose in a woman’s blood, which affects the condition of the fetal brain. The baby may suffer from headaches from the moment of birth.
Heredity
Scientists believe that migraines are transmitted from mother to child. This ailment is associated with an insufficient amount of serotonin, the low level of which provokes headaches. Hypertension, a vascular disease characterized by high blood pressure and accompanied by headaches, can also be inherited.
Head injuries
Children are very mobile, and it is almost impossible to protect them from blows. If a child loses consciousness after a head injury, parents immediately consult a doctor. But it happens that several days have passed since the impact, and no visible consequences have appeared. But inexplicable headaches arose. A mild brain injury does not always make itself known too clearly, so after a head blow it is better to be examined in a hospital.
Stress and anxiety
WITH psychological problems people begin to clash from the very early age. When under stress, the level of endorphins and serotonin in the brain drops, which can lead to headaches. And on emotional condition the child is equally affected by both troubles in kindergarten and quarrels with other children, as well as funny noisy games that make the baby excited. The headache in such cases is usually not too intense and goes away as soon as the child calms down.
Colds
Coughing, runny nose and sneezing are often accompanied by headaches. This is due to damage to the trigeminal nerve. As a rule, the pain is acute and recurs at short intervals. Also, such headaches can be caused by infectious diseases and problems with the cervical vertebrae.
A teenager has a headache: reasons
If parents care about the health of their children as much as they can, then headaches in teenagers often go completely unnoticed. Some adults believe that in this way the “cunning” person is simply trying to get rid of homework or household responsibilities. But teenagers often suffer from headaches. What could they be connected with?
Hormonal imbalance
During adolescence, a person experiences real hormonal changes. Against this background, chronic diseases worsen, acne and other skin “joys” appear, and all this “riot” is accompanied by headaches. In girls, it can make itself felt with enviable regularity during each menstruation.
Bad habits
It is rare that a teenager does not indulge in harmful activities secretly from his parents. Young smokers absorb a lot of toxic substances by inhaling tobacco smoke, which provokes not only headaches, but also memory loss, blurred vision, and increased irritability. Headache can occur due to hookah smoking, as well as the next morning after heavy alcoholic outpourings that were not noticed by parents.
Overwork
The modern rhythm of life demands a lot not only from adults, but also from teenagers. And if parents can, after returning from work, watch TV or lie down, then schoolchildren have to go to study homework or run to music classes. Mental overstrain, characteristic of this age, often expresses itself in the form of a headache.
When to Call a Doctor for a Headache
Experienced parents often know how to help their child and relieve him of headaches. But there are some symptoms that require mandatory consultation with a doctor:
- heat, which does not decrease after taking medications;
- the child’s inability to raise his head while lying on his back;
- drowsiness, lethargy, depression;
- impaired coordination of movements;
- vomiting in the absence of diarrhea.
In such cases, you should immediately call an ambulance. It is also recommended to show a child under 4 years of age to the pediatrician for any headache.
What to do for headaches in children and adolescents
Drug treatment
If a child has a headache, you cannot use the same medications that usually help adults. The fact is that many medications have reasonable age restrictions. For example, Citramon should not be given to children with headaches before they reach the age of 15 due to possible liver damage. It is recommended to replace it with Nurofen for children.
For migraines, moderate to severe pain can be easily relieved with Paracetamol, which is safe for children. Also, for severe attacks, Naproxen, Phenacetin or Ibuprofen are prescribed. Acetylsalicylic acid should only be used for mild attacks, with caution due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Sumatripan is most often used against cluster headaches. For tension headaches, preference is given to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for example, Ibuprofen. Among analgesics, Paracetamol is considered the most effective.
Non-drug treatment
Sometimes you can relieve a headache without using pills using:
- walks in the open air;
- drinking chamomile or mint tea;
- restful sleep for several hours;
- head massage.
Children's health is not something to joke about: it is much better to see a doctor right away than to miss the onset of a serious pathology. If your child continues to have a headache even after rest, and the attacks are regular, you should definitely undergo an examination.
Headache in teenagers is common. The reasons for its occurrence can be different: from banal stress to serious illnesses. If a teenager experiences headaches frequently, you should consult a doctor, and the sooner the better. Ignoring such a symptom can cause quite dangerous consequences.
Nonspecific causes of the symptom
With cephalalgia in adolescents, there can be many reasons for the development of symptoms. Let's consider the main ones:
- Promotion blood pressure- another source of symptoms. Leading a sedentary lifestyle and abusing junk food can increase its levels. In such cases, there is a violation of vascular tone, a disruption in the flow of oxygen to the brain and, as a result, migraine.
- Severe pain is common in teenagers who drink energy drinks containing taurine and caffeine. Such drinks are harmful even to an adult body, let alone a teenager who is not yet fully formed. Teenagers are strictly prohibited from using them.
- Poor sleep is an equally common cause of cephalalgia. To be alert, a person needs to sleep at least 8 hours. For children and teenagers, this figure rises to 10. Unfortunately, young people often ignore this rule.
The first and most common reason why teenagers may have a headache is changes in hormonal levels, which are observed at the age of 13-15 years.
It is during this period that chronic pathologies make themselves felt, acne and pimples begin to appear, as well as frequent migraines. In girls, the symptom often occurs during the premenstrual period or during menstruation itself.
Bad habits that every third teenager has. Many teenagers succumb bad influence their peers, try things they shouldn’t, trying to seem like adults.
For example, smoking and inhaling large amounts of tobacco negatively affects the state of the brain, causing migraines, memory loss, and visual impairment. Irritability also increases. 
Severe physical fatigue and stressful situations. A heavy workload at school, especially when attending any sections at the same time, does not allow the body to rest properly, resulting in nervous tension and, accordingly, headaches.
This may include difficult relationships with peers or parents, first love, which also leads to emotional experiences.
The fourth reason is non-compliance proper nutrition. Teenagers, especially girls, do not always eat right, often snacking and abusing fast food. 
This is what becomes the source of the body’s lack of vital important vitamins and minerals, which causes many diseases, as well as migraines. The symptom also occurs against the background of a violation of the drinking regime, namely, when insufficient volume drinking fluid throughout the day.
Specific development factors
Frequent migraines in a teenager can be caused by certain diseases, which include pathologies that develop in the brain itself and outside it. The first group of diseases includes:
The second group includes the following diseases:
- Osteocondritis of the spine. As a rule, the pathology occurs when the cervical spine is affected, which is often observed in schoolchildren who are sitting long time at the desk. This is facilitated by incorrect posture and excessive physical exercise on the spine. Discomfort occurs in the back of the head, in the shoulders and neck.
- Pathologies of ENT organs. Mild pain in the head also occurs against the background of a cold or infectious disease ENT organs. The nature of the pain in this case is compressive. The symptom disappears on its own after the primary pathology is cured.
Other causes of cephalalgia in teenagers include food poisoning and head injury, for example, a concussion, which is accompanied by intense pain.
Food poisoning, as well as severe drug intoxication, cause not only cephalalgia, but also nausea, vomiting, increased general temperature, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Most effective medicine in such cases - Activated carbon, after taking which you must consult a doctor.
How to treat?
Tablets for pathology do not always help eliminate a symptom, especially if it is caused by a specific disease. Sometimes it is necessary to urgently place a person in a hospital setting, for example, when a brain tumor develops or after a head injury. Let us highlight the main situations when immediate contact with a specialist is required:
There is no need to prescribe medications to your child yourself, because they may not only not help, but also cause Negative consequences, including drug addiction. Can be used folk remedies, which will not cause harm, but will help reduce the intensity of the symptom:
From medicines used for migraines and pain of other etiologies, Nurofen can be distinguished, which is suitable for adolescents under the age of 15 years. You can also give Paracetamol. If the pain is very severe, medications such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen will help.
Any pathological changes in the child’s health should be alarming, especially if they occur in the brain area.
Delayed initiation of treatment leads to progression of the primary disease that caused it.
Cephalgia not only in adolescents, but also in adults can significantly reduce the quality of life. Thus, the regular occurrence of a symptom affects the solution of everyday problems and the conduct of everyday affairs.
Of course, if the headache occurs rarely, for example, several times a year, and is not accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms, symptomatic ones will come to the rescue medicines and folk remedies. In other cases, it is better to seek the help of a doctor.
In the modern pace of life, when a person is surrounded by stress, problems and instability, headaches become almost a life companion. This also applies to teenagers aged from 12 years before 15 years who are just getting acquainted with the realities of life. It is worth noting that it is the teenagers of this age category are most susceptible to headaches also due to “ adolescence" When teenager has a headache It's worth paying attention to this. After all, headaches can indicate quite serious health problems.
In fact, there are a huge number of reasons that can cause headaches. The most common causes include: severe emotional experiences, stress, colds, high blood pressure, abnormalities hormonal levels and others. Less common are brain diseases, meningitis, eye diseases, strokes, etc. But it is worth noting that headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms that may indicate the original source of the disease.
If a teenager has a headache, reasons most often lie in emotions. Teenagers aged from 13 years and up to 14 years, during the period of the most severe and radical changes, are very sensitive natures. Any impact on their emotional system can cause headaches. But, you should always pay attention to concomitant syndromes and, if they exist, consult a doctor.
It may happen that a person does not have a complete headache, but only in a certain place. This could be the temples, the occipital part, the frontal part, or some side as a whole. This may be a symptom of quite serious illnesses and in such circumstances you should consult a doctor immediately.
Most often, a person may experience pain in the forehead area. If a teenager has a headache in the forehead area, the reasons may be the following: fatigue, eye disease, sinusitis, high intracranial pressure, frontal sinusitis, neuritis, infections, consumption food additives. As you can see, the causes of pain in the forehead area are quite serious. Therefore, if such pain recurs quite often, you should immediately consult a doctor. Otherwise, the consequences could be dire.
How to treat headaches in a teenager
If a teenager experiences headaches irregularly and as a result of known non-critical causes, then asking the question “ headache in a teenager: how to treat it? The answer you get is: just give him a rest. As a last resort, if the headache is severe or it prevents you from concentrating on important matters, you can give a painkiller tablet. This will put the teenager's head in order. But, if the headaches are constant, quite severe, or occur only in a specific place, you should consult a doctor to find out the reasons.
Headache can occur at any age, regardless of gender. However, during puberty, many teenagers experience quite painful and unpleasant sensations that interfere with their normal lives.
Hormonal changes, stress in studies and unrequited love can provoke migraine-like pain that does not go away on its own.
What other reasons are identified if a teenager has a headache and what to do in this or that situation, we will analyze further.
Causes
If we consider all the reasons that can provoke headaches in a teenager, they can be divided into two groups: pathological and non-pathological. In the first case, the discomfort progresses due to the presence of a concomitant disease, which, when cured, relieves the pain. Non-pathological causes are associated with the influence of external factors, which include:
Ask your question to a neurologist for free
Irina Martynova. Graduated from Voronezh State Medical University named after. N.N. Burdenko. Clinical resident and neurologist of the Moscow Polyclinic.
- frequent stress;
- staying at the computer for a long time;
- sedentary lifestyle;
- lack of walks in the fresh air;
- insomnia;
- lack of rest due to a busy working day;
- tense relationships with classmates and parents.
Expert opinion
Filimoshin Oleg Alexandrovich
Doctor -
During hormonal changes It is difficult for a teenager to get used to changes in his own mood.
This psychological aspect plays important role in the formation of personality, and intense headaches can interfere with this.
Diseases of the ear, nose and throat
For diseases of the nose (chronic rhinitis, sinusitis) there is a disturbance in the breathing process, as a result of which an insufficient amount of oxygen enters the body. Headaches especially often develop in the morning, when the child moves his head from a horizontal to a vertical position.
Inflammatory processes in the ear (otitis, mesotympanitis, mastoiditis) provoke not only a shooting headache, but also a spasm of the facial nerve. The headache is accompanied by a persistent high body temperature, runny nose and profuse lacrimation.
Expert opinion
Filimoshin Oleg Alexandrovich
Doctor - neurologist, city clinic of Orenburg. Education: Orenburg State Medical Academy, Orenburg.
Throat diseases of various etiologies (laryngitis, pharyngitis) can also provoke discomfort in the head area, since the inflammatory process easily spreads along with the blood to all vital organs, including the brain.
Of particular danger are chronic inflammatory processes of the ENT organs, which tend to periodically worsen. In this case, the intensity of the headache is maximum, and its duration is longer than usual.
Type of pain
Unpleasant sensations depend on the type of disease and the severity of the inflammatory process. With otitis and ear diseases, the pain is shooting, throbbing, acute. A sore throat involves a dull, aching pain in the head, a feeling of heaviness and detachment. Pathologies of the nose and sinuses can cause squeezing pain in the front of the head and face.
Localization
With otitis media, the pain is localized in the temples, and with sinusitis and rhinitis, the frontal lobe of the head suffers more.
Acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections most often provoke pain in the back of the head, which can spread over the entire head, provoking an aura effect.
Diagnostics
An otolaryngologist has the right to determine the relationship between headache pain and diseases of the ENT organs. To make a diagnosis, a primary examination is performed, which reveals possible pathologies. To confirm the assumptions, the diagnosis is supported by:
- A detailed blood test will indicate the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
- X-ray will show pathologies of the nasal sinuses.
- Bacterial culture of a smear from the cavities of the ear, nose and throat.
Treatment
In each specific case it is selected individual treatment. The inflammatory process is eliminated using complex therapy, which includes:
- Taking medications: antibiotics, ointments, drops, vasoconstrictors.
- Physiotherapy: warming up, electrophoresis, phonophoresis, magnetic therapy.
- Breathing exercises.
Degenerative processes lead to the development of osteochondrosis, in which you often feel a crunch in the neck and a headache. As a result of the narrowing of the distance between the vertebrae, compression of the vertebral artery appears, which leads to disruption of the nutrition of the brain. Developing oxygen deficiency is one of the reasons for unpleasant symptoms, why a teenager has a headache.
The risk group includes those teenagers who lead a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, ignoring any physical activity.
Osteochondrosis especially often accompanies amateurs computer games and other gadgets.
Type of pain
The pain is aching, shooting, stiffening, and intensifies when the head is tilted. There is an acute reaction to light and odors, which can lead to nausea and vomiting, as well as dizziness.
Localization
The occipital region, with possible movement to the frontal and temporal lobe.
Identification of problems with the cervical spine occurs in several stages:
- Visual assessment of the patient’s condition (history collection).
- X-ray – shows the presence of degenerative processes in the vertebrae (degree of compression).
- MRI is a more accurate and detailed diagnosis, showing not only the location of compression, but also its degree.
Further treatment involves the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesics and chondroprotectors, which help accelerate the regeneration of cartilage tissue.
The following are used as auxiliary treatment methods:
- – eliminates compression, restoring adequate nutrition to the brain.
- (, magnetic therapy), which help reduce the inflammatory process.
- Acupuncture is performed only in a special institution by a specialist (chiropractor).
- Wellness neck – causes blood flow to the neck, and also helps eliminate congestion.
- – helps relieve muscle spasms, as well as speed up regeneration processes.
Poisoning
In the presence of severe intoxication in the body caused by poisoning, the whole body suffers. All of him vitality are aimed at combating pathogenic microflora in the intestines, and with pronounced signs of dehydration, this process is extremely slow. The cause of poisoning may be:
- Food;
- pesticide;
- mushrooms;
- medications;
- heavy metals (mercury, lead).
The main reason for the growing headache is the lack of fluid in the body, since the water that is available in resources is used for its intended purpose.
Therefore, it is important to provide the patient with plenty of fluids, rich in lytic composition, which ensures the normalization of intracellular metabolism.
Type of pain
The pain is throbbing, spastic. Intensifies during vomiting.
Localization
Back of the head area.
Diagnostics
Poisoning is determined in a hospital, where tests are taken from the patient (blood, urine, feces), and bacterial cultures are done for pathogenic microflora.
Treatment
Initial therapy consists of restoring water balance, which is achieved by introducing drips of Ringer's saline solutions and saline. Next, the patient is prescribed appropriate antibacterial therapy, which is supplemented by:
- Linex and Bifiform - to maintain intestinal microflora;
- Activated carbon and Lactofiltrum are adsorbents to reduce intoxication;
- drugs that support natural life processes.
Headaches are relieved using drugs such as:
- Tempalgin;
- Naklofen.
Trigeminal neuralgia
The trigeminal nerve is paired nerve of the facial part of the head, which is responsible for the sensitivity and mobility of the lips, cheeks, tongue and oral cavity. Neuralgia, which is determined by a violation of the ability of nerve fibers to correctly transmit impulses, is caused by such reasons as:
- hypothermia of the face;
- soft tissue injuries;
- pinched nerve;
- chronic infections.
When the trigeminal nerve is irritated, it becomes more sensitive, giving an aggressive reaction to any mechanical impact.
Type of pain
Sharp, shooting through the temple.
Localization
Temporal part, with possible extension to the frontal lobe.
Diagnostics
Neuralgia is determined by a visual examination, which is carried out by a neurologist. If a pinched nerve is suspected, an x-ray or MRI may be required.
NSAID drugs will help relieve acute pain, as well as reduce the manifestation of the inflammatory process. In the case where conservative treatment has not shown any results, and the cause of the pathology is strangulation, surgery is performed.
With the help of microvascular decompression, it is possible to place the nerve in its anatomical place, reducing the degree of irritation.
Brain tumor
Any formations, even benign ones, extremely dangerous to human life. They put pressure on the blood vessels of the brain, depriving it good nutrition and causing the death of healthy cells. As a result, foci of necrosis are formed, which affects the behavior and abilities of the patient himself.
All neoplasms, depending on their direction, are divided into two groups:
- Benign - located within one area, have a clear structure.
- Malignant - can provoke the development of metastases that penetrate the bone marrow and all parts of the body.
Type of pain
The pain is constant, moderate, spastic.
As the tumor develops, the pain intensifies, and painkillers do not show their effectiveness.
Localization
The source of pain is located directly in the area where the tumor is located.
Diagnostics
Almost constant headaches, which can intensify, should alert you and serve as a reason for diagnosis. Detection of tumors is possible in several ways, but the most accurate is MRI. With its help, it is possible to assess the location, size and make a prognosis for the tumor. However, this procedure is extremely expensive, so in most cases, radiography is used.
It is also necessary to pass all biological tests (urine, blood, feces) to see the state of the body and the lymphatic system.
Treatment
If neoplasms are detected, the further course of treatment directly depends on the stage and size of the tumor:
- Conservative treatment is aimed at reducing the growth of the tumor, as well as stopping its vital activity.
- Surgery - the tumor is removed, after which the treatment is supported by medications.
Encephalitis
This the disease is viral in nature, affecting the body of the brain. The causes may be ticks, which carry the disease, or typical viral diseases: influenza, measles, chickenpox. Most often, the disease occurs in a hyperacute form, developing a characteristic clinical picture within 3-7 hours. The consequences of encephalitis can be the most unpredictable: from complete cure to death.
It is important to begin therapy as soon as possible after infection.
Type of pain
Acute, compressive, spastic. Combined with a sharp increase in temperature, chills and fever.
Localization
Mainly occipital part.
Diagnostics
The presence of the virus in the blood can be determined as follows:
- Blood chemistry.
- Blood culture tank for sterility.
- Biopsy.
Treatment
Elimination of encephalitis is carried out in three stages:
- Antiviral therapy is aimed at destroying the virus.
- Antibacterial therapy - helps to overcome a large number of toxins released into the blood by viruses.
- Interferon therapy – the patient is injected with protein molecules identical to the cells of the human body, which help strengthen natural defenses.
You cannot do without diuretics, which help prevent the development of brain swelling.
Lytic mixtures administered intravenously help normalize intracellular metabolism and also prevent dehydration. To maintain all the vital functions of the body, anticonvulsants, antiepileptics and antidepressants are used.
Meningitis
Inflammatory process with meningitis involves exclusively the membranes of the brain. The most dangerous is purulent meningitis, as a result of which pus accumulates in the membranes of the brain. The causative agent of the disease can be a virus, fungus or infection.
Most often, the pathology develops as a complication of ENT diseases, when the chronic inflammatory process can no longer be controlled and contained immune system, which leads to a large-scale focus of inflammation.
Type of pain
The pain is sharp, shooting, stifling. Accompanied by light and noise anxiety, as well as high and persistent temperature.
Localization
The back of the head and frontal part, including the temples.
Diagnostics
The presence of the disease can be determined in several ways:
- Examination of cerebrospinal fluid for the presence of pathogenic microflora.
- Blood cultures for sterility.
- MRI and CT of the brain.
Treatment
Initially, a lethal dose of antibiotics is prescribed, which allows you to overcome the inflammatory process by destroying its root cause. Corticosteroids and opioid analgesics are used to relieve pain.
In cases where meningitis is viral in nature, antibacterial therapy is complemented by antiviral therapy.
Migraine
Migraine is intense, long-lasting headache, which manifests itself in the form of an attack. The mechanism of pain development has not been thoroughly studied, but the reasons may include:
- sudden changes in atmospheric pressure;
- lack of proper sleep and rest;
- alcohol abuse;
- frequent stressful situations.
Type of pain
The pain is aching, spasmodic, prolonged, and constraining.
Intensifies with the slightest movements, as well as in bright light.
Localization
Mainly the frontal and temporal lobe of the head.
Diagnostics
Since the clinical manifestations of migraine are very similar to a tumor, it is important to visit a neurologist in a timely manner and undergo a thorough examination. The diagnosis is made based on data from the anamnesis, as well as after an MRI of the brain, which makes it possible to exclude the presence of neoplasms.
Treatment
To relieve pain use: Solpadeine, Tempalgin.
Hypertension
Increased blood pressure above generally accepted norms called hypertension. This pathology can develop against the background of systemic diseases, as well as develop independently. Blood pressure problems are most common in older people, but teenagers can also be affected. high risk the occurrence of pathology, which is facilitated by abuse alcoholic drinks, smoking and sedentary lifestyle.
Type of pain
The pain is sharp, shooting, spastic, throbbing.
Localization
The back of the head, sometimes the temples and forehead.
Diagnostics
Determining the presence of hypertension is quite simple, and is possible at home. To do this, you need to measure the pressure using special apparatus– tonometer.
Deviation from the generally accepted norms of 120/80 in an increasing direction indicates the presence of hypertension.
Treatment
Treatment initial stages pathologies in adolescents are performed without the help of medications. It is recommended to improve your diet by reducing the consumption of fatty and sweet foods, as well as to get proper rest, not forgetting about sports.
For frequent headache attacks high blood pressure resort to medications: adenoblockers, diuretics, etc.
Injury
Many teenagers, especially if they engage in traumatic sports, may get a concussion, without even knowing it. A concussion is the most common head injury that results in intense headaches.
A brain contusion is much more difficult to bear, and bone fractures generally have a lot of consequences.
Type of pain
In case of closed TBI, the pain is dull, aching, and in case of integrity violations skin the painful sensations are extremely sharp and spastic.
Localization
The peak of pain is at the location of the injury itself. In case of concussion, this is predominantly the frontal area.
Diagnostics
The presence of TBI is determined using clinical picture, as well as using radiography. This method is the most accessible and also quite informative.
Treatment
To relieve pain and treat injuries, drugs such as:
- Complex analgesics: , Sedalgin, Tempalgin, .
- Diuretics – prevent the formation of cerebral edema.
- Sedatives – help you calm down and relax.
- Sleeping pills.
Dehydration
Insufficient amount of water in the body leads to the fact that everything metabolic processes slow down. As a result, headaches may appear, which can be easily eliminated if you drink plenty of fluids. The most dangerous dehydration is considered to occur in a child in hot weather, when all moisture from the body quickly evaporates, and new water does not arrive.
Frequent headaches in a teenager can also be a consequence of insufficient daily fluid intake, or its low quality ( clean water replaced with a drink, kvass, cola).
Type of pain
The pain is dull, aching, similar to the symptoms of heat stroke: heaviness in the head, cloudiness of consciousness, dizziness.
Localization
Pain envelops the whole head.
Diagnostics
The presence of dehydration can be determined by external clinical manifestations:
- dry skin and mucous membranes;
- weakness, drowsiness;
- complete lack of appetite;
- increased frequency of bowel movements;
- severe vomiting;
- pallor of the skin.
Treatment
Dehydration can be eliminated by artificially administering lytic solutions by drip.
It is also important to provide the patient with plenty of fluids and a cool room.
Eating disorder
This reason is more likely to the girls adolescence
who are extremely critical of their excess weight, wanting to lose weight and resorting to strict diets. Restriction of nutrition, as well as complete refusal of certain foods, leads to a lack of certain microelements in the body.
Type of pain
Aching, spastic.
Localization
The whole head, or individual parts of it, may hurt.
Diagnostics
Comparison of the cause of the headache and the eating disorder is the only diagnostic method. To confirm your assumptions, you can take a blood test, which will show that the body is under stress.
Treatment
It is necessary to establish nutrition, make it as correct and frequent as possible. To relieve pain, you can take any complex analgesic.
Children should avoid “adult” foods that lack their own enzymes to digest them.
Sleep problems
Teenagers quite often lead nocturnal, ignoring sleep, without realizing it, they leave the body without proper rest. During sleep, all organs and systems relax as much as possible, preparing for the next day.
Lack of sleep leads to the development of chronic fatigue syndrome.
Type of pain
Similar to a migraine, worse at 4 am.
Localization
The whole head.
Diagnostics
The patient is interviewed, and if the duration of his sleep at night is less than 3 hours, then this is the cause of the headache.
Treatment
Sedatives and sleeping pills may be prescribed to induce sleep as quickly as possible.
Bad habits
Quite common among teenagers alcohol abuse and smoking. It is these two indicators that are mistakenly considered the norm and a transition to adult life. An unformed organism that is exposed to toxic substances is unable to fully defend itself.
Alcohol intoxication is one of the most common causes of headaches among adolescents.
Type of pain
The pain is aching, dull, squeezing.
Localization
The whole head.
Diagnostics
It is enough to donate blood for analysis to identify the relationship between headaches and bad habits.
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at removing toxins from the body, as well as relieving acute headaches.
Hormonal disbalance
During periods of rapid hormonal changes, malfunction may occur endocrine system, in which some hormones are not enough, and some are produced above normal. The result is an imbalance in which certain systems in the body do not work properly, causing obesity, kidney problems and vascular disease. The latter most accurately describe the problems of adolescent headaches.
Diagnosis and treatment involves blood testing for hormones, as well as the use of compensatory hormonal therapy, which can equalize all hormones and make their amounts within the normal range.
Long-term use of medications
In the case where adolescents have chronic pathologies and are forced to take medications, headaches may have a close causal relationship with this.
It is enough to stop taking the pills for the unpleasant symptoms to go away on their own.
In what case should you immediately consult a doctor?
There are three situations when urgent medical attention is required:
- The pain does not disappear after taking painkillers and lasts more than 5 days.
- Severe pain provokes the development of painful shock and accompanying clinical manifestations: nausea, vomiting, dizziness.
- The temperature persists and the patient's condition rapidly deteriorates.
First aid
First aid consists of providing the patient with rest and horizontal position. At severe pain You can give one tablet of a complex pain reliever. With absence positive dynamics Don’t put off calling a doctor.
Thus, as we see, headaches in adolescents, the causes of which are very diverse, may indicate the presence of serious pathologies.
No less common reasons are bad habits, sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity.
Be sure to watch the following video on the topic
This article is dedicated to children and adolescents suffering from headaches and migraines. After reading the article, you will learn to understand that a child has a migraine or a simple headache, what complications of migraine lead to and how to treat it.
We will also analyze in detail tension-related headaches and cluster headaches specifically in adolescents aged 13-16 years.
How to identify migraine?
Among schoolchildren and adolescents, various recurrent headaches are quite a common occurrence. For example, among schoolchildren the prevalence of the disease is approximately 80%, that is, almost four out of five people feel such unpleasant pain from time to time.
If we talk about those who suffer from headaches on a regular basis, then their number is about 2%. Today there are many types of headaches in teenagers, but I would like to talk about those that manifest themselves more often than others.
Migraine is accompanied by a clear set of clinical signs. The main criteria for the presence of migraine are the following:
- The headache has the character of an attack and lasts from two hours to three days.
- Migraine has at least two of the following symptoms: moderate to severe headache; pulsating character; during physical activity tends to increase significantly; localization of pain in unilaterally.
- At least one of the so-called accompanying signs is present - phonophobia, nausea, vomiting.
Complications of migraine
Migraine stroke. In this case, either one or several signs may be observed at once, which will last approximately seven days. In addition, a so-called ischemic stroke may be present.
Migraine status. It consists of a series of severe attacks that alternate with each other, with light intervals also observed, but they last no more than four hours. There may also be one attack, but it is quite serious, which will be felt for 72 hours.
There are many factors that can trigger migraines. The most important of them include: overuse food rich in thiamines (citrus fruits, cocoa, nuts, smoked meats, eggs, cheese), emotional stress, bad habits, in particular smoking and alcohol abuse, changes in the standard and typical sleep phase for the body.
In addition, constant driving in public transport, watching TV for a long time long period time, presence in the room unpleasant odors, changes weather conditions.
Migraines can also be caused by various kinds somatic diseases, such as diseases of the teeth, nose, ears, throat, various allergic conditions.
Scientists conducted some studies and as a result concluded that most often migraine suffers from those who have certain psychological characteristics, namely anxiety, good social adaptation, high level aspirations, the desire to become a leader in everything, high activity in society.
Stopping attacks. As soon as a person notices the first symptoms of such an attack, it is necessary to immediately take paracetamol and Ibuprofen.
It should be taken into account that the first medication is used at the rate of 10 mg for every 10 kilograms of body weight, and Ibuprofen should be taken twice as much.
If the attack continues to develop rapidly, then the procedure is repeated again with the same number of tablets taken.
According to official statistics, such tablets are effective in approximately 55% of all cases. At the same time, experts note that Ibuprofen is considered more effective, especially when it comes to a child’s illness.
Such drugs can significantly suppress and reduce the synthesis of mediators pain such as kinins, prostaglandins and others. If the above tablets did not give desired result, then it is recommended to use medications that belong to the category of dehydromitans.
It is worth noting that they are considered more effective due to the fact that they have vasoconstrictive actions. Such drugs are produced both in the form of drops and in the form of tablets. But, it can only be used if the child is at least 13-14 years old, and in no case should these products be used by very young children.
Preventive treatment methods. This option is used in cases where migraine occurs more often than 2 times in one month. In general, all such methods are divided into two types - drug and non-drug treatment.
If we talk about the second option, then these include - good dream, stable daily routine, massage treatments, gymnastic exercises, water treatments.
As for treatment with medications, these include the so-called β-blockers (propranonol, which must be taken in an amount of 20-25 grams, and at the same time constantly increase the RAM when the desired effect is not observed).
In addition, various types of antidepressants, in particular amitriplitine, are quite effective. This substance must be used in evening time and not large quantities, since an overdose may affect the occurrence of side effects.
A medical course of treatment that lasts approximately 3-4 months. But, this method is considered quite dubious when it comes specifically to teenagers, since various side effects may occur.
Therefore, before deciding to take such a step, it is imperative to consult with an experienced doctor. To summarize, I would like to note that if a teenager begins to have a migraine, then in approximately 50% of cases it will be short-term.
It must also be said that girls are more likely to suffer from this disease. If migraines occur more than once a month, then most likely this disease will accompany the person throughout his life.
According to statistics, approximately every third person experiences migraine at the age of 13-16 years.
As a rule, with age, migraines appear much less frequently, but the pain is felt with the same intensity. Quite often, such a disease gets rid of during puberty (puberty), but then various kinds of relapses seem quite likely.
In general, such headaches in adolescents are observed much more often than other diseases, but I would like to remember about other possible diseases.
Tension headaches (TNH)
Prevalence among children school age is approximately 50%, and chronic tension headaches are characteristic of only 3% of adolescents. According to official data, approximately 80% of all headaches are caused by headaches.
Tension headaches occur as a response to mental stress that results from chronic or acute stress. Mental stress is constantly accompanied by an increase in the level of muscle tone in the back of the head, forehead, and temples.
Quite often, such diseases are characteristic of those who are prone to neurotic reactions, as well as fixation on their own somatic sensations. Great importance It also has a general specificity of the functioning of the brain system, which has an insufficient antinociceptive part of the brain.
The headache lasts from one hour to 5 days. At least two of the following symptoms are observed: the headache is bilateral and diffuse; there is a squeezing, squeezing effect, a monotonous type of pain.
If you constantly do physical activity, the headache will be stable, but will not get worse; medium or low level of intensity, at which the quality of work or educational process significantly deteriorates.
There are accompanying symptoms: anorexia, vomiting and nausea, mild photophobia and phonophobia. It should be noted that such signs can be observed both together and separately.
All HDD are divided into two large groups– chronic and episodic. In the first option, illnesses are felt more often than 15 days per month or more than 180 days per year. Headaches present throughout the day. If we talk about episodic headaches, they occur less than 15 days a month and are necessarily associated with some kind of stress.
Causes of HDD
- Prolonged and constant tension of the body muscles in various anti-physiological postures, for example, an uncomfortable desk when a person is in an uncomfortable position.
- Stress, anxiety and depression of a psychological nature. Moreover, this process is accompanied by numerous complaints about a constant feeling of fatigue in the body, increased level irritability, severe fatigue. Masked depression is also observed, which has certain somatic complaints.
- Analgesics were taken in excessive quantities.
The disease can also be triggered by changes in weather conditions, eating insufficient quantities, constant exposure to a stuffy room, mental or physical stress. Headaches in teenagers also occur due to other symptoms, but they are no longer as significant and widespread.
Treatment of tension-type headache
Treatment of tension-type headaches that occur sporadically involves, first of all, various preventive measures. That is, we are talking about good and complete sleep, a properly structured daily routine, a workplace that is convenient for doing necessary actions, massages of the collar area and head.
During headaches, you can take analgesics, in particular paracetamol, but not in large quantities. Treatment of chronic type GNB involves the mandatory use of antidepressants. The course of treatment in this case is approximately two to three months.
Such headaches are extremely rare in adolescents, and most often occur in boys aged 13-16 years. In general popularity, the prevalence of this disease is about 1-1.5% of all adolescents.
The most popular symptoms of this disease are excruciating pain around or behind the eyes, lacrimation on one side, and redness of some areas of the face. This disease occurs in parts and lasts approximately 10-15 weeks. Attacks can be present for 20-40 minutes, and they often occur at night.
As a rule, attacks tend to stop on their own before the action begins medical product. Most often, in order to prevent the onset of the disease, drugs such as verapamil, sodium valproate, and methysergide are used.