When Does a Headache Signal
an Emergency?
 A
child’s occasional headache seldom indicates a serious problem.
But call the doctor if your child’s headaches:
- recur frequently
or worsen
- intensify with
exertion, such as coughing, sneezing, or a bowel movement
- are made much
better or worse by a position change
- awaken your
child from sleep
- are always located
on one side
- prevent school
attendance
- or affect personality.
Rarely, a child’s
headache can signal a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention
if your child’s headache:
- follows a head
injury, especially if your child loses consciousness or vomits
- comes on suddenly,
especially if it is severe
- is accompanied
by any of the following symptoms:
- fever, chills,
nausea, vomiting, a stiff neck, and extreme sleepiness
- convulsions
- vision or
speech disturbance
- problems
with coordination.
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