Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
Your child was seen in the ED for a headache. The doctor thinks your child's headache is likely not caused by something serious. They can recover at home.
You might be waiting on your child's test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to.
●Give your child non-prescription medicines to relieve pain, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or ibuprofen (sample brand names: Advil, Motrin). Never give aspirin to a child younger than 18 years old.
●Have your child lie down in a quiet, dark room, if possible. Put a cool wet cloth on their forehead.
●Make sure your child eats healthy foods at regular times and does not skip meals. Offer your child plenty of fluids.
●Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule.
●Keep a "headache diary" for your child if they have headaches often or if the headaches interfere with their daily activities. This might help you see if there is a pattern to their headaches. Write down:
•Where the pain is on their head or neck
•When they have pain, and how long it lasts
•How the pain feels, like if it is dull, sharp, burning, stabbing, or cramping
•What causes the pain
•What makes the pain better or worse
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•Your child's headache starts after a head injury.
•Your child's headache wakes them up.
•Your child's headache is sudden or severe and happens with other symptoms, such as:
-Vomiting
-Neck pain or stiffness
-Double vision, or changes in vision
-Confusion or slurred speech
-Loss of balance
-Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
•Your child has a seizure.
•You cannot wake your child.
●Return to the ED if:
•Your child's headache is severe and constant (without other symptoms).
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if your child:
●Gets headaches more than once a month
●Has a headache and is younger than 6 years old
●Has a headache and has certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell disease, bleeding problems, immune system problems, genetic problems, heart problems, or cancer
●Has new or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Headaches in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Keeping track of your headaches (The Basics)
