Causes

Migraine headaches

It isn't clear why some people get migraines and others do not. Migraines often run in families. Experts aren't sure what causes migraines.

Tension headaches

The cause of tension headaches also is not clear. Experts believe there may be more than one cause of tension headaches. In the past, doctors believed that tension or spasms of the muscles of the neck, face, jaw, head, or scalp played a role in causing these headaches. Now they think a change in brain chemistry may also cause a tension headache.

What experts know about the causes of headaches is based on research in adults.

Symptoms

Migraine headaches

Migraines are intense, throbbing headaches that can be felt on one side or both sides of the head. The pain also can move from one side of the head to the other. Migraines can make it hard for your child to move around or do daily activities.

Other symptoms of migraines include:

• Nausea, vomiting, or both.
• Sensitivity to light, noise, and sometimes smells.
• Paleness.
• Changes in mood.
• Changes in vision, such as flashing lights or dark spots, before the headache starts. This symptom, called aura, is more common in adults than in children.
• Feeling lightheaded or dizzy.

Without treatment, your child's migraine headache can last as long as 72 hours.

Tension headaches

Tension headaches can last from 30 minutes to as long as several days. For children, these headaches often happen during school or around the time of a stressful event. And they can build up during the day. Symptoms of tension headaches include:

• A constant ache that does not throb or pulse. Your child will probably feel pain or pressure on both sides of the head.
• Tightness around the head or forehead.
• Aching pain at the temples or the back of the head and neck.

Being sensitive to light or noise (but not both) can sometimes be a symptom of tension headaches. But sensitivity to light and noise is more common with migraines.