Adolescent Headaches Specialist

How common are adolescent headaches?

You might think that adults are the only people who suffer from frequent or persistent headaches, but that’s far from the case. Once clinical study found that 74% of girls and 56% of boys between the ages of 12-17 experience at least one headache each month.

The vast majority of adolescent headaches occur as a result of stress and muscle tension. Other common causes include migraine, the common cold, or the influenza virus. Many parents worry that adolescent headaches are the result of brain tumors, but this is quite rare.

When should I have my adolescent’s headaches evaluated?

Most adolescent headaches subside using conservative measures of care, including rest, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID), and drinking plenty of water. However, you should schedule an appointment with the team at PANDA Neurology & Atlanta Headache Specialists if your son or daughter’s headaches:

• Occur regularly
• Increase in frequency
• Cause them to wake up during sleep
• Cause blurred vision or confusion

You should also have your child’s headaches evaluated if your family has a history of neurological disorders or your child’s headaches affect their balance, motor movements, or vision.

How are adolescent headaches diagnosed?

To diagnose adolescent headaches, the team at PANDA Neurology & Atlanta Headache Specialists reviews your child’s medical history, performs a physical exam, and asks them questions about their symptoms.

If the initial exam doesn’t provide adequate information, your child’s doctor might also order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or magnetic resonance imaging of the arteries (MRA) to determine if a more serious problem, such as a tumor, abscess, or intracranial bleeding is the source of your child’s headaches. If your child loses consciousness as a result of their headaches, the team might also recommend a computed tomography (CT) scan.

How are adolescent headaches treated?

Treatment for adolescent headaches depends on the severity and underlying cause of your child’s symptoms. After determining the source and underlying mechanisms of your child’s headaches, the team might recommend:

• Lifestyle changes
• Dysport® injections
• Nerve blocks
• Botox® injections

The team at PANDA Neurology & Atlanta Headache Specialists also has an on-site infusion center designed to treat acute migraine headaches using intravenous (IV) medications. This type of treatment is pain-free, safe, and effective.

If your teen regularly experiences painful headaches, treatment is available. Call the office or use the online booking tool to schedule your consultation today.