Science currently distinguishes 363 headache diagnoses. Three headache types are particularly significant:

Migraine pain arises from a so-called neurogenic inflammation of the blood vessels (veins) in the meninges. Certain neurotransmitters are released there, causing local inflammation. This leads to increased pain sensitivity of the vascular membranes; therefore, every jolt, every movement, every throbbing and pounding is painful. The trigger for the excessive release of these inflammatory substances is the activation of specific nerve nuclei in the brainstem. This is caused by an energy deficit due to increased energy expenditure in the nerve cells. Twelve risk genes for migraine are currently known. These lead to an amplification and release of the aforementioned neurotransmitters in the nervous system. It follows that migraine therapy must intervene comprehensively in this process to stabilize the headache. Headaches can be severely debilitating conditions with underlying biological mechanisms.

that tension-type headaches are caused by an exhaustion of the central pain processing system in the brain. The body's own pain regulation system is exhausted by excessive strain from pain stimuli. Pain mechanisms can no longer be adequately regulated, resulting in episodic and, in later stages, chronic pain.

The development of headaches due to medication overuse is explained by a depletion of the body's own pain defense system caused by painkillers. Frequent pain attacks and excessive intake of acute painkillers increasingly weaken the body's own pain defense system, leading to more frequent headache episodes and ultimately to chronic headaches.

Features

A migraine attack in children lasts 2–72 hours. During the headache phase, symptoms such as paleness, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, sensitivity to light and sound are common. Children may also have a fever, yawn, or

Children may be restless and report pain in other parts of their body, particularly stomach aches. Digestive problems such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also be prominent. Visual disturbances, muscle weakness, and speech difficulties may also occur in some children before the headache and usually last 30 to 60 minutes. The headaches most often begin in the morning after waking up and usually subside by late morning. This can sometimes give the impression that the child is trying to avoid going to school. However, this is a typical pattern caused by an energy deficit in the nerve cells in the early morning and the timing of migraine symptoms.

Appear

Children can suffer from headaches from their first year of life. In practice, however, it turns out that regular headaches often begin in the second or third year. Many children are unable to properly describe these pains until they reach primary school age. They often talk about stomach aches or nausea, but actually mean headaches. International studies have shown that the prevalence of headaches increases dramatically when children start school. Experts attribute this to the academic demands that children face at school. Stress and pressure exacerbate headaches. While boys are more likely to experience headaches in the first year of school, this pattern reverses by puberty. From around the age of 14, girls are more likely to be affected. Doctors advise treating headaches as early as possible to prevent them from becoming chronic.

Origin

A migraine attack in children lasts from two to 72 hours. Migraine pain arises from neurogenic inflammation of the blood vessels in the meninges. Certain neurotransmitters are released there, causing local inflammation. This leads to increased pain sensitivity. Typical symptoms of migraine headaches are throbbing and pounding pain, which usually occurs on one side but can switch sides. Additional symptoms often include dizziness, paleness, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. Movement and activity worsen the pain. According to current understanding, tension-type headaches are caused by an exhaustion of the central pain processing system in the brain. The body's own pain system is exhausted by excessive strain from pain stimuli, particularly from the neck area.

Tension headaches usually only appear in children over 15 years of age. They affect the whole head, but especially the neck area. Accompanying symptoms are rare, and physical activity does not worsen the pain.

Headaches due to medication overuse occur when a child takes painkillers for an extended period. Experts attribute these headaches to a medication-induced exhaustion of the body's own pain defense system. The result: increased pain, potentially leading to chronic headaches. A quick headache test, which provides an initial assessment, can be found : https://schmerzklinik.de

Code of conduct

  1. Take your child seriously. Don't downplay their symptoms.
  2. Do not give your child over-the-counter painkillers for recurring headaches. It's best to consult a doctor.
  3. The main trigger for headaches in children is stress. Try to minimize this for your child by ensuring a structured daily routine. Important factors include: sufficient sleep, rest periods during the day, limited media consumption, regular mealtimes, and exercise.
  4. Make sure your child drinks enough, eats a balanced diet, and always eats breakfast.
  5. Pay attention to poor air quality. Humidity and heat in the room can worsen the pain