HEADACHE

 

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

 

HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD HEADACHES

  1. Pain Medicine:  Give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen for pain relief (see Dosage table). Headaches due to fever are also helped by fever reduction.
  2. Food:  Give fruit juice or food if your child is hungry or hasn't eaten in more than 4 hours (reason: skipping a meal can cause a headache in many children).
  3. Rest:  Lie down in a quiet place and relax until feeling better.
  4. Local Cold:  Apply a cold washcloth or ice pack to the forehead for 20 minutes.
  5. Stretching:  Stretch and massage any tight neck muscles.
  6. Migraine Headaches Diagnosed in the Past: If your child's doctor has prescribed a specific medication for migraine, give it as directed as soon as the migraine starts. If not, ibuprofen is the best OTC drug for migraine. Give ibuprofen now and repeat in 6 hours if needed (See Dosage Table). Also, have your child lie down in a dark, quiet place and try to fall asleep. People with migraine often awaken from sleep with their migraine gone
  7. Call Your Doctor If:
    • Headache lasts for more than 24 hours despite using a pain medicine.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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