The usual cause of headaches among teenagers and children are stress-related headaches and migraines. The headaches can occur along with the flu, fever and acute respiratory infections.
There are certain types of headaches that are considered uncommon. Being familiar with the characteristics of these headaches is an advantage so that you know the proper measures to take.
Post-traumatic headache
Injuries to the head are responsible for the increasing cases of visit to the emergency department. Teenagers and children involved in bicycle accidents, vehicular accidents, child abuse or sports injuries can develop a headache syndrome within minutes to days after the event. The other symptoms that manifest with this type include:
- Vertigo
- Dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Depression
- Memory issues
- Altered performance at school
- Sleep disruptions
- Behavioral issues
The treatment is usually symptomatic in which the initial symptoms and accompanying soft tissue injury are managed with mild analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Post-traumatic headaches typically respond well to medications that are given from chronic types, but there is no specific medication or treatment that can alter the underlying disturbance in the central nervous system.
Sinusitis
This condition involves the inflammation or infection of the sinuses. It can have an abrupt onset with a short duration or a chronic condition with at least 4 episodes that lasts 12 weeks or longer.
The symptoms of sinusitis include nasal blockage, facial pressure or pain, drainage of pus and frontal headache. Other symptoms that can manifest include bad breath, fever and fatigue.
Exertional headaches
This type is triggered by engaging in strenuous activities such as weightlifting, running, and swimming as well as sexual activity. An episode can occur during or after the activity and can be linked with nausea and vomiting.
The headaches are usually brief and generalized or localized. The pain is similar to a “hammer-like” blow on the head that can last from 15 minutes to 12 hours.
Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ)
Children with this condition often complain of a dull aching pain right below the ear on one or both sides of the face. The pain can be localized but can radiate to the temple, towards the middle of the face or over the front and top part of the skull. In most cases, the pain is worsened by chewing.
Cluster headaches
There are 2 types of this headache – episodic and chronic. For the episodic type, the attacks cover a period of 1-3 months followed by remission lasting for months to years. As for the chronic type that is uncommon, the attacks are continuous for a year without any remission.
Cyclic migraine
Cyclic migraine is an uncommon form of migraine that occurs in cycles. The cycle ranges from 1-6 weeks in duration. During the cycles, they can occur on a daily basis or several times in a week. In between, there might be a constant low-intensity headache. The cycles are followed by intervals without pain that lasts for weeks to months.
Chronic paroxysmal hemicranias
This condition is characterized by several attacks on a daily basis, usually 5 in a day which lasts from 5-30 minutes in duration. In most cases, the pain occurs on one side of the head.
The pain is severe with autonomic phenomenon (eye redness and tearing, nasal congestion, eyelid edema, runny nose). The pain is localized to the eye or forehead and the headache can be triggered by moving the head.