“Nothing makes my headaches better”

Headaches are a common symptom during adolescence. As a parent the first thought that usually comes to mind is ‘Is it a brain tumour?’. More often than not, headaches are due to lifestyle and there are simple changes that can fix the problem.

Fluid · Adolescents do not drink water! Encourage 2-3 litres per day. Jazz it up with lemon, lime, cucumber, or mint. Make it fizzy. Anything to get it drunk!

Food · Ensure food is consumed at regular intervals. Typically, adolescents do not have breakfast and will then not eat until lunch time or even later in the day. This means a period of more than 12 hours when the body will go into starvation mode. The rapid shift in blood sugar from low to high and vice versa can trigger a headache.

Studying · During the adolescent years, a considerable amount of time is spent studying. Homework and revision can often be done lounging on the bed or sofa and although this may seem more comfortable it can put strain on the upper back and neck which can result in neck pain and headache. Additionally, lots of screen use or written work can cause eyestrain. Simple solutions are to sit at a desk in a good supportive chair, take regular breaks to stand and move, and ensure that eye-sight has been recently been tested.

Screens · It is inevitable that adolescents spend a large amount of time in front of screens Make sure there are screen breaks throughout the day, particularly in the evening and that there is a good screen break before bedtime. Perhaps suggest this is done by the whole family. As parents, admit to the fact you are ‘on a screen too much’ and consider how you can reduce your screen time, and perhaps how you can do it together as a family.

Stress · A degree of stress comes with being an adolescent. Talk about it and work out ways to manage it together. There are many reasons for adolescents to feel stress including complex relationships with peers or partners, stresses about impending exams, or worries about the future – facilitating open, non-judgemental channels of communication may well help you both to navigate these challenges.

Sleep · From an early age develop good sleep hygiene and strategies for managing sleep. Tiredness is a big cause of headaches.

When to Seek help

Red flags you should seek expert input include vomiting with headaches, particularly in the early morning; headaches associated with other symptoms such as dizziness, change in vision or altered sensation in a body part, such as tingling or numbness; or loss of consciousness. If all the above ‘triggers’ are addressed and headaches continue, then seek a medical opinion.