Headaches and Migraines in Children
Headaches and migraines are common in children and teens, but they can vary widely in how often they happen and how much they affect daily life.
At LifeBridge Health, the Division of Pediatric Neurology evaluates, diagnoses and treats a wide range of childhood headaches and migraines. Our goal is to reduce headache frequency, ease symptoms and help children live full, active lives.
Common Types of Headaches We See
Headaches and migraines both cause head pain, but migraines often include additional symptoms and may be more frequent or more severe.
Whether your child has occasional headaches that pass quickly or more intense episodes that interfere with school or activities, our team is here to help.
Our pediatric neurologists diagnose and treat:
- Migraine headaches, with or without visual or sensory aura
- Tension-type headaches, which often cause steady pressure or tightness
- Chronic daily headaches, which occur most days
- Headaches related to sleep, stress, hydration or screen use
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Evaluation begins with a conversation. We take time to understand how often headaches happen, how long they last and what your child is feeling when they occur.
We also ask about possible triggers and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity or visual changes. When needed, we look for warning signs that may require further testing. When headaches are benign, we provide reassurance and clear guidance.
Treatment and Ongoing Care
Treatment plans are tailored to each child and may change over time. Our approach focuses on practical steps families can use every day, along with medical treatment when needed. Care may include:
- Lifestyle and trigger management, including sleep, hydration and stress
- Headache diaries to track patterns
- Preventive strategies to reduce how often headaches occur
- Medications for headache relief
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Preventive medications for frequent or severe migraines
Education is an important part of care. We help families understand how to manage headaches at home, recognize changes in symptoms and know when to reach out for additional support.
As children grow and routines change, headache care often evolves. We work closely with families to adjust treatment plans and provide ongoing guidance.