My Daughter Is 7 Years Old And Is Like Me

Posted on Fri, 31 Jan 2020

Question: My daughter is 7 years old and is like me when I was a child. As a child and even now if I am out in the sun too long or too tired (especially after physical activity) I often will get a horrible headache, throw up, go to sleep and wake up 100% better. I am wondering if this is a migraine or something like sun sensitivity and what type of doctor should I take her to if any. Would it be her pediatrician or a neurologist? Also, any over the counter remedies other than pain reliever? Sometimes if that doesn't work I will give her a sip of coke that has caffeine in it but she never gets to drink a soft drink recreationally. Only a bit if she has a bad headache (which can easily be told from her demeanor, her eyes etc that she doesn't feel good.)

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Most likely migraine or sleep deprivation headache

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for asking on this platform

I have gone through the query and do understand your concern.
The clinical description which you have given is commonly seen in migraine which gets aggravated by various factors and sunlight can be one of them.
Both migraine, tension headache and sleep deprivation headache all get relieved by sleeping.
But it is the migraine which usullay gets precipitated by sunlight.
In children tension headache is uncommon.
The common causes of headache in children includes visual problem (like myopia), dehydration, prolonged fasting(causing hypoglycemia), sleep deprivation headache and migraine.
It is good to maintain proper hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, taking frequent meals and a good sleep.
You can give paracetamol for headaches. Paracetamol/acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safest. If not relieved then give ibuprofen.
Please consult a pediatrician for evaluation first. If needed the pediatrician will refer her to neurologist.
I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any doubts.
Wishing for good health of your child.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj