Facts

  • Headaches are very common, and most children and young people with a headache will not have a brain tumour.
  • A persistent headache (occurring on most days over a four week period) may be due to a brain tumour.
  • Most children and young people with a headache due to a brain tumour will have other signs or symptoms – these should be looked for carefully.
  • It is unusual for children younger than 4 years to complain of a persistent headache – persistent headaches in this age group should always be viewed as a potentially serious symptom.
  • Tumours at the base of the brain can sometimes cause neck pain and an abnormal head position (head tilt / wry neck).

Further information about headaches in children and young adults can be found at NHS Direct: http://services.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/help/bodykey/questions/index.aspx?nodes=uvz%2fECHnOlan5Eav08kfOw%3d%3d#pos1955

Preschool under 5

In children in this age group, any headache, particularly one that persists, should be assessed by a health professional, as there could potentially be a serious problem.

Headaches caused by a a brain tumour:

  • will usually be persistent, occurring on most days
  • may wake the child up, or occur particularly when they wake up
  • the child may be confused, disorientated, excessively tired, and/or may be less alert / responsive at the same time as the headache

In this age group, some children will be unable to describe how they feel, or may have difficulty in doing so. Signs that a young child has a a headche include the child may holding their head or neck, pressing on their temples or trying to keep their head very still. They may seem withdrawn, or unsettled or agitated.

Any child with persistent headache and should be seen by a doctor. If the headache and is accompanied by one or more other symptoms from the HeadSmart symptoms list, an urgent appointment should be made.

Select for more general information for parents and carers.

Children 5-11

In children in this age group, headaches can have a variety of causes, and most will not be a brain tumour.

Headaches caused by a brain tumour:

  • will usually be persistent, occurring on most days
  • will usually be accompanied by vomiting
  • may wake the child up, or occur particularly when they wake up
  • the child may be confused, disorientated, excessively tired, and/or may be less alert / responsive at the same time as the headache

Any child with persistent headache and should be seen by a doctor. If the headache and is accompanied by one or more other symptoms from the HeadSmart symptoms list, an urgent appointment should be made.

Select for more general information for parents and carers.

Young adult 12-18

In young people, headaches can have a variety of causes, and most will not be a brain tumour.

Headaches caused by a brain tumour:

  • will usually be persistent, occurring on most days
  • will usually be accompanied by vomiting
  • may wake the young person up, or occur particularly when they wake up
  • the young person may be confused, disorientated, excessively tired, and/or may be less alert / responsive at the same time as the headache

Young people with a persistent headache should be seen by a doctor. If the headache is accompanied by one or more other symptoms from the HeadSmart symptoms list, an urgent appointment should be made.

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