If your child has headaches or unusual neurological symptoms, it’s important not to ignore them, especially if they are persistent, worsening, or unexplained.
Early medical assessment can help identify serious conditions sooner and improve outcomes.
Red Flags for Headaches in Children (By Age)
Certain symptoms alongside with headaches may indicate a more serious underlying condition. These are known as “Red flags”.
Children < 5 Years Old
Seek urgent medical attention if your child has:
- Persistent or recurrent vomiting
- Poor balance or coordination
- Abnormal eye movements
- Behavioural changes or unusual sleepiness (lethargy)
- Seizures
- Abnormal head posture, stiff neck, or head tilting
Children 5 – 11 Years old
Watch out for:
- Persistent or recurrent headaches
- Persistent or recurrent vomiting
- Poor balance or coordination
- Abnormal eye movements
- Double or blurred vision
- Behavioural changes or lethargy
- Seizures
Children Over 12 Years (Adolescents)
Watch out for:
- Persistent or recurrent headaches
- Persistent or recurrent vomiting
- Poor balance or coordination
- Abnormal eye movements
- Double or blurred vision
- Behavioural changes or lethargy
- Seizures
- Abnormal head posture, stiff neck, or head tilting
- Delayed/ early puberty, or slow growth
When Should You See a Doctor for Your Child’s Headache?
You should seek medical advice as soon as possible if:
- Headaches are frequent, severe, or worsening
- Symptoms wake your child from sleep
- There are any Red Flags listed above
- Your instincts tell you something is not right!
Why Early Assessment Matters
While many headaches in children are benign (e.g. tension-type headaches or migraine), some may be linked to:
- Brain infections
- Increased pressure in the brain
- Neurological conditions, such as brain tumours, idiopathic intracranial hypertension.
Prompt evaluation helps rule out serious causes and provides peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are headaches in children common?
Yes, but most are not serious. The key is recognising warning signs or Red Flags.
Should I worry if my child vomits with a headache?
Occasional nausea or vomiting can occur with migraine or tension-type headache, but recurrent vomiting with headaches is a Red flag and should be assessed.
Can screen time cause headaches?
Yes, but it should not cause neurological symptoms such as poor balance or seizures.
For more information about Headaches, please click Headaches & Migraine.
If you have any further questions, you can schedule an appointment today with Dr Yeo.
