Headaches in Children

See headache for the full adult-oriented differential and red-flag table — most secondary-headache principles apply equally to children.

Symptoms suggesting a secondary headache

• First or worst headache.
• Recurrent severe headache for a few weeks.
• Increasing frequency or worsening of a usual headache pattern.
• Headache waking the child from sleep, or present on waking.
• Worse lying down, or with bending over/coughing.
• Vomiting from sleep or before getting up.
• Confusion or altered personality.
• Focal motor weakness or diplopia.
• Fevers, rigors or seizures.