There are two main types of headaches.

Secondary Headaches

These are caused by a problems in the structure of the brain — such as tumors or Chiari malformation. They are uncommon causes of headaches. 

Primary Headaches

These are usually caused by tight muscles or activated nerve control centers around the head or face. Three of the most common types of primary headaches are:

• Tension headaches
• Migraine headaches
• Cluster headaches

Medical management relies on the proper identification of the type of headache. The ultimate goal of headache treatment is to reduce the frequency and intensity of the headaches. For some, the headaches may not completely go away, but the severity and frequency is reduced. Specific treatment for headaches will be determined by your child's provider based on:

• Your child's age, overall health and medical history
• Extent of the headache
• Your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures or therapies
• Your opinion or preference

Important contributing lifestyle choices that are important and helpful to avoid or reduce headaches are:

• Healthy nutritional habits
• Eating three meals a day
• Drinking plenty of water every day
• Healthy sleep habits
• Stress management skills and techniques
• Routine exercise
• Avoiding known triggers, such as certain foods and beverages, lack of sleep and fasting
• Medications
• Break through: These are prescribed by your child's provider to take when you know a headache is starting. They can stop a headache as it starts or while it is present.
• Preventative: These are prescribed by your child's provider to be taken daily to reduce the onset of headaches.

When your child is in pain or has a headache, it's easy to feel helpless.

But there are options. We can help.

We know you want the best for your child. So do we. We dedicate our practice to serving children and offering the best, most compassionate care available. Our specialists are available to consult with you — whether your child is an inpatient or an outpatient.

When you bring your child to Children's Wisconsin, you always will be a valued member of the care team. Because you know your child better than anyone, we encourage you to work with us to develop a pain management plan that will provide the greatest relief. Your child will benefit from both the latest medical approaches and proven, effective alternative therapies.