Headaches in children - diagnosis and treatment Warsaw and Płock

Diagnosis in paediatric neurology is based primarily on a thorough interview and analysis of symptoms. This is one of the most important parts of the visit.

The pediatric neurologist analyzes:

the frequency and duration of the pain
its location and character
the situations in which it appears
the factors that aggravate or relieve it

Next, a neurological examination is carried out to assess how the nervous system is functioning. In some cases, if there are indications, the doctor may order additional imaging or laboratory tests. Their purpose is to rule out more serious causes of the symptoms.

Why recurring headaches should not be ignored

Headaches that appear regularly can affect many areas of a child's life. They concern not only physical comfort, but also concentration, learning and everyday functioning. An early consultation makes it possible to:

establish the cause of the symptoms
limit their severity
prevent them from becoming entrenched

In many cases, the diagnosis itself and the introduction of simple changes to daily routine bring significant improvement.

Milena Franckiewicz, MD

Pediatric neurologist Warsaw and Płock - consultation at OpenMed

At OpenMed we handle the diagnosis of headaches in children and adolescents, taking into account both neurological causes and lifestyle-related factors. During the visit we carefully analyze the symptoms, discuss possible causes and indicate the next steps. We treat every child individually, adjusting the scope of diagnosis to the specific situation.

The OpenMed team will help choose the right consultation date and guide parents through the entire diagnostic process.

Where do headaches in children come from?

A headache in a child is a symptom that appears relatively often, but its meaning is not always clear. On the one hand it may be related to everyday functioning, fatigue or stress, but on the other it can be the first sign that the child's body requires a closer assessment.

For parents this is an ambiguous situation. The question arises whether it is a temporary complaint or something that requires a specialist consultation. In practice, what matters is not only the fact that the pain occurs, but its character, frequency and the context in which it appears.

The causes of headaches in children are varied and often result from overlapping factors. In many patients they are related to tension, fatigue, prolonged focus of attention or general overload. At school age, an important role is also played by:

stress related to learning or peer relationships
insufficient sleep
prolonged screen use

It also happens that headaches have a neurological basis or are a symptom of other disorders that require diagnosis. That is why it is so important to look at the problem in a broader context, and not just through the lens of a single episode.

How to tell an "ordinary" headache from a warning sign?

In clinical practice the most important thing is observing the dynamics of the symptoms. A single episode of headache is rarely a reason for concern, whereas its recurrence or a change in character should draw attention. Concern may be raised by situations in which:

headaches appear regularly and intensify over time
the child begins to complain of pain in the morning or at night
the complaints make everyday functioning, learning or play more difficult
the pain is accompanied by additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness or vision disturbances

This does not automatically mean a serious illness, but it is a clear signal that a more thorough assessment is worthwhile.

Migraine in children - more common than it seems

One of the more common causes of recurring headaches in children is migraine. Although it is mainly associated with adults, it can also occur in younger patients. Its course can be somewhat different from that in adults. A child may not be able to describe the pain precisely, but the following are often observed:

strong fatigue and a need for calm
avoidance of light and noise
a worsening of well-being during the episode

Migraine is not dangerous, but it requires diagnosis because it affects the child's quality of life and may recur.

Headaches in children - FAQ

: No. In many cases it is related to everyday factors, but its recurrence requires assessment.
: Yes, especially if the episodes recur and affect functioning.
: When the headaches are frequent, severe or appear together with other symptoms.