Facts

  • Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick) are very common, and most children and young people with nausea and vomiting will not have a brain tumour.
  • Persistent vomiting (occurring on most days over a two week period) may be due to a brain tumour.
  • Most children and young people with nausea and vomiting due to a brain tumour will have other symptoms or signs - these should be looked for carefully.
  • Children and young people with persistent vomiting require assessment to determine the cause.

There are a number of serious conditions that can be associated with vomiting and nausea, and dehydration is also a risk; further general information on vomiting in children can be found at NHS Direct using the following links:

Preschool under 5

In this age group, vomiting is very common, and is usually caused by minor illnesses or, in babies, reflux.

Vomiting due to a brain tumour:

  • will usually be persistent, occurring on most days
  • may wake the child up, or occur particularly when they wake up
  • will not be accompanied by diarrhoea or a high temperature

In this age group, some children will be unable to describe how they feel, or may have difficulty in doing so, and you may need to look out for signs that they are unwell from how they look or behave. A child with nausea may go off their food, or may hold their hands to their stomach.

Any child with persistent vomiting should be seen by a doctor.

Select for more general information for parents and carers.

Children 5-11

In this age group nausea and vomiting are very common and are usually not caused by a brain tumour.

Nausea and vomiting due to a brain tumour:

  • will usually be persistent, occurring on most days
  • will usually be accompanied by a headache
  • may wake the child up, or occur particularly when they wake up
  • will not be accompanied by diarrhoea or a high temperature

Any child with persistent vomiting and headaches should be seen by a doctor

Select for more general information for parents and carers.

Young adult 12-18

In young people, nausea and vomiting can have a variety of causes and is usually not due to a brain tumour.

Nausea and vomiting due to a brain tumour:

  • will usually be persistent, occurring on most days
  • will usually be accompanied by a headache
  • may wake the child or young person up, or occur particularly when they wake up
  • will not be accompanied by diarrhoea or a high temperature

In young women who are pregnant, or may be pregnant, 'morning sickness' can be another cause of nausea and vomiting upon waking.

Young people with a persistent headache and vomiting should be seen by a doctor.

If you are a young person and you are concerned about your symptoms, it's best to get them checked out by your GP.

Select for more information about seeing your GP.

If you are a parent or carer of a young person, and you are concerned about their symptoms, explain that you think they should go to the GP and offer to make them an appointment.

Bear in mind that, depending on their age and circumstances, they may choose to go to the GP on their own, although many appreciate having a parent or carer with them, whatever their age.

Select for more general information for parents and carers.

Be aware

If you are worried about the child, make an appointment with your doctor.
If the symptoms of signs are sudden onset or severe, either take them to the emergency department or call 999