Common Causes of Headaches in Children

Many causes of headaches in children appear in the flowcharts that follow. Answer each question “yes” or “no.” Your answers will lead you to a possible cause of your child’s headache, along with recommended actions and self-care tips.

Your child may have more than one type of headache. For instance, some children experience both tension and migraine headaches. So review all the questions to see if more than one cause could be contributing to your child’s headaches.
Please note that these charts cannot substitute for a doctor’s care. Your child’s doctor can give you the most accurate diagnosis and treatment advice.