Overview

Common causes of head or face pain are allergies, stress, and injuries. Other causes include tooth problems and sinus infections. Eating certain foods, such as chocolate or cheese, or drinking certain liquids, such as cola, can cause head pain for some children.

If your child has mild head pain, they may not need medicine for treatment. It is important to watch your child's symptoms and talk to your doctor if the pain continues or gets worse.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Be safe with medicines. Give pain medicines exactly as directed.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if they can take an over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra).
  • Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 18. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a serious illness.
• Have your child take it easy for the next few days or longer if your child is not feeling well.
• Use a warm, moist towel to relax tight muscles in your child's shoulder and neck. Gently massage your child's neck and shoulders.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.