Headaches
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Does your child have a headache?
See significance of headaches in children if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Does your child have a headache with other symptoms of a serious illness?
Yes Does your child have severe headache pain?
Yes Does your child have a headache with nausea, vomiting, or vision problems, such as blurred vision or blind spots?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Are you unable to relieve your child's moderate headache with home treatment?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Has your child's headache caused mild pain without other symptoms for 24 hours or longer?
Yes Has your child's headache gradually gotten worse during the past 24 hours?
Yes Does your child have recurrent headaches that have not gotten better for 24 hours or longer after being checked by a doctor?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Does your child have a headache without other symptoms every day?
Yes Does your child have a headache two or more times per week?
Yes Are you giving your child nonprescription pain medicine (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for a headache more than once a week?
Yes Does your child miss school because of his or her headaches?
Yes Are you unable to find the cause of your child's headache?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: July 12, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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