What causes frequent headaches in a 12-year-old child, and what should be done?
Generally, frequent headaches in a 12-year-old child may be caused by mental stress, eye strain, migraine, sinusitis, encephalitis, or other factors, and require management based on the specific situation.
1. Mental stress: When a child is in a state of tension, the brain nerves become excited, causing contraction of the head muscles and resulting in tension headaches. It is recommended to identify the child's sources of stress and help relieve pressure. Encourage the child to develop hobbies such as painting, music, or sports to relax after school.
2. Eye strain: As academic pressure gradually increases for 12-year-old children, prolonged near-distance eye use, such as reading or using electronic devices, can cause the ciliary muscles of the eyes to remain in a state of continuous contraction, easily leading to eye fatigue. Eye fatigue may increase intraocular pressure or cause referred pain in the head, resulting in headaches. It is recommended to relax the eye muscles and relieve eye fatigue through eye massage, warm compresses, and similar methods.
3. Migraine: During a migraine attack, the blood vessels in the brain first constrict and then dilate. These abnormal vascular changes stimulate surrounding nerves, triggering headaches. During a migraine attack, allowing the child to rest in a quiet, dark room may help alleviate symptoms. Additionally, medications such as ibuprofen tablets or flunarizine hydrochloride capsules may be used under a doctor's guidance.
4. Sinusitis: Since children's sinuses are not fully developed and their sinus openings are relatively wide, nasal and sinus mucosa are prone to infection. Inflammation within the sinuses can increase pressure within the sinus cavities, stimulating nerve endings around the sinuses and causing headaches. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as Tongqiao Biyan tablets or赛洛唑啉 nasal spray for treatment.
5. Encephalitis: Infection of brain tissue by viruses or bacteria leads to inflammation, which stimulates nerves and causes headaches. The child may also experience symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and seizures. It is recommended to use medications such as cefixime granules or acyclovir tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment.
When a 12-year-old child experiences frequent headaches, pay attention to emotional changes. If headaches persist or worsen, prompt medical consultation and detailed examination are recommended to identify the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.