Organic Causes
We have discussed those factors that can cause tension-type or migraine headaches. Other causes, however, are more common in children than they are in adults, and they require medical attention.
Fever
A headache may be the result of a fever, so the first step is taking your child's temperature.
Viral Infections
Headaches accompany many viral infections and may remain after the fever is gone. Infections can occur
in many areas of the body, including sinuses, urinary tract or lungs.
Head Trauma
Children fall and bump into things, so head trauma is very common in children; only clinical tests can determine
if the brain has been affected by the head trauma. In addition to a headache, head injury may also cause confusion,
nausea, vomiting, or changes in consciousness or response time.
Brain Tumors
Fewer than one percent of children with headaches develop brain tumors — benign or malignant. If the cause of a
headache is a tumor, the headache will probably progress in severity as the tumor grows. Symptoms will depend on
the type and location of the tumor.
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammatory process that affects the meninges, or membranes, that cover the brain and the
spinal fluid that surrounds the central nervous system. When an infection or some other underlying cause
inflames the membranes and invades the spinal fluid, it becomes meningitis. Pressure on the brain is increased,
and the spinal fluid becomes infected and has difficulty circulating. This situation triggers the headache, but other
symptoms may include high fever, stiff neck, confusion, and sleepiness.
All headache types and their symptoms deserve medical attention; however, those that might be the result of an organic cause, including head trauma, brain tumor, meningitis or leukemia, can be life-threatening. Immediate medical attention should be sought.
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