What Your Child’s Headache May Mean

The headaches that most children experience are called primary headaches. These headaches are typically tension headaches, cluster headaches or migraines.

At Pediatric Neurology Associates, we are able to provide our patients with comprehensive exams that allow us to determine the cause of headaches. One of the neurologists from our practice can help your child reduce the headaches they are experiencing, as well as prevent primary headaches in the future.

Your child's headaches may be a normal part of life, or they may be an indicator of more serious and underlying problems. If any of the following apply to your child and the headaches they experience, contact our office as soon as possible:

» Persistent Headaches that Occur Once a Month, or More

» Headaches are Particularly Painful

» Headache Doesn't Go Away Easily

Treating Migraines in Children

When it comes to migraines in children, the Pediatric Neurology Associates takes a more proactive approach to treatment. These severe headaches can be debilitating to your child.

Sometimes simple preventative measures such as avoiding migraine causing stimuli like loud music and overly bright lights can help. However, other times a preventive medication is needed. If your child is old enough to communicate with you about what they are experiencing, look for these common signs of migraines in children:

» Pounding & Throbbing Pain
» Dull Steady Pain

» Dizziness
» Stomachaches

» Nausea or Vomiting
» Seeing Spots or Halos

» Sensitivity to Light,
» Noise & Smell

What Are Child Sleep Disorders?

Child sleep disorders are conditions that affect the normal and healthy sleep habits of infants, children and adolescents. This may mean that your child has trouble getting the proper 9 hours of sleep that they need, or that they want to sleep too much and are constantly tired.

Not all doctors are experienced in recognizing child sleep disorders, so if you believe your child is suffering from one of these conditions, you need the help of neurological professionals. Pediatric Neurology Associates specializes in diagnosing and treating child sleep disorders. Some of these child sleep disorders include:

» Night Terrors
» Sleep Walking

» Nighttime Bedwetting
» Sleep-Onset Anxiety

» Obstructive Sleep Apnea
» Narcolepsy

» Delayed Sleep-Phase Syndrome

Does your child have a persistent headache, or trouble sleeping at night? Contact Pediatric Neurology Associates to learn more about our treatments for headaches and sleep disorders. We have multiple locations throughout the region and serve on staff at All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Tampa.