What Does It Mean If Your Child Has Frequent Headaches?

When a child complains of headaches, it can be difficult to pinpoint the cause. Headaches are one of the most complex symptoms to evaluate because so many parts of the head and face are closely connected: the eyes, ears, nose, teeth, sinuses, and even the neck can all play a role.

An eye exam is often one of the first steps when a child experiences frequent headaches. This helps rule out neurological concerns and check whether vision is the culprit. In many cases, children who need glasses will report headaches, especially if they have trouble focusing their eyes together (a condition known as a binocular vision issue). Glasses often help relieve the discomfort in these situations.

However, vision isn’t the only factor. Headaches in children may also stem from allergies, sinus congestion, teething, or dental problems. That’s why it’s important to take a comprehensive approach when investigating the cause.

Most of the time, headaches in kids are not a sign of something serious, but they do deserve attention. By starting with an eye exam, you can either confirm vision-related causes or confidently move forward to explore other possibilities.