Brain & Nervous System Headaches An Overview of Dizziness and Headaches in Children By Heather Jones Heather Jones Facebook Twitter Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. Learn about our editorial process Published on October 01, 2021 Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD Medically reviewed by Huma Sheikh, MD Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Huma Sheikh, MD, is board-certified in neurology and specializes in migraine and stroke. She co-founded the migraine and vascular section for the American Headache Society. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Causes Co-Occurring Symptoms Diagnosis Treatment at Home When to Seek Professional Treatment Prevention Frequently Asked Questions Dizziness and headaches in children can have many causes, such as migraines and motion sickness. Here is an overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods of dizziness and headaches in your child. Verywell / Theresa Chiechi Causes of Dizziness and Headaches in Children Dizziness and headaches are common experiences in children, and they are rarely caused by anything serious. Causes of Dizziness Dizziness and fainting are often caused by a sudden drop in blood flow to the head. Common causes of dizziness in children include: Standing up quickly, or other quick changes in positionHunger/not eatingStanding for long periods of timeDehydration (even mild or moderate dehydration can cause dizziness)Hot showers or hot tubsToo much time in the heat or sunLoss of fluid through sweatFever or illnessAnemia (low red blood cell count)Heart problems, such as an arrhythmia (an abnormally fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat) Vestibular issues can also cause dizziness. Some examples include: Motion sickness Inner ear conditions or illnesses Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) or benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (sudden sensation of spinning) Vestibular migraines Vestibular System The vestibular system involves parts of the inner ear and brain that process the sensory information involved in controlling balance and eye movements. Causes of Headaches As with adults, headaches in children can have many causes. Possible conditions that can cause a headache include: Viral illness Muscle tension Hunger Common harmless causes, such as hard exercise, bright sunlight, gum chewing, severe coughing, consuming icy food or drink Stress (good or bad) Anxiety or worry Frontal sinus infection Genetics (migraines appear to run in families) Certain foods or food additives like nitrates (common in deli meat and aged cheeses) Certain smells, such as perfumes, paint, gasoline, bleach, foods, and cigarette smoke Dehydration Lack of quality sleep Less commonly, headaches in children can be caused by more serious conditions such as: Head injuryMeningitisTumors, seizure disorders, bleeding in the brain, and other conditions Meningitis Is an Emergency Meningitis is a bacterial or viral infection of the membrane that covers the spinal cord and brain. It is very serious and can be fatal. If the child's headache is accompanied by a stiff neck, particularly if they also have a fever, or if a younger child is lethargic or unable to be consoled, seek immediate emergency treatment. Co-Occurring Symptoms of Dizziness and Headaches Dizziness Dizziness is a feeling that can be hard for young children to describe. They may say that their head feels "funny," they feel foggy, or, depending on the type of dizziness, they may say report feeling a spinning sensation. Other symptoms can occur with dizziness, including: Nausea/vomiting Fainting Headache Disorientation Confusion Problems with balance Walking "funny," such as with a wide gait Temporary vision changes, such as a brief blurring of vision or a visual aura (sensory disturbances) Sensitivity to light, sounds, or smell Sensitivity to movement Dizziness or Vertigo? The terms dizziness and vertigo are often used interchangeably, but there are important distinctions. Dizziness refers to feelings such as light-headedness, fogginess, and nausea. Vertigo is a sensation of movement that isn't happening ("the room is spinning"). It is more likely to cause problems with balance. Both can occur together, or dizziness can occur without vertigo. If you are describing your child's dizziness to their healthcare provider, be sure to include if vertigo is present or not. Headaches Symptoms that can occur along with headaches depend on the type of headache and what is causing it. The two most common headaches in children are tension headaches and migraines. Common symptoms of tension headaches include: A headache that is mild or moderate rather than severeA headache that typically develops during the middle of the dayConstant, dull, or achy painFeeling a tightness (like a band) around the headHeadache pain located in the forehead or on both sides of the headNeck painFatigueSlow onset of the headacheChange in sleep patternsYoung children may be fussy or cranky Common symptoms of a migraine in children include: Pain on one or both sides of the head (or pain all over in younger children) Throbbing or pounding head pain Sensitivity to light, smell, or sound Nausea/vomiting Abdominal discomfort Sweating Becoming quiet or pale An aura before the migraine, such as a sense of flashing lights, a change in vision, or funny smells (does not always occur) Shorter attacks, abdominal pain, and nausea/vomiting with a migraine are more common in children than adults. Vestibular Migraines Vestibular migraine is a condition with a large overlap between dizziness and migraine. There may or may not be head pain involved. Symptoms of a vestibular migraine can include combinations of: Severe, throbbing headache, usually on one side of the head Nausea/vomiting Sensitivity to light, smell, and noise Vertigo and/or dizziness, which usually lasts minutes to hours, but can last for days Trouble with balance/steadiness Sensitivity to motion Diagnosis Usually, dizziness and/or headaches do not require a visit to a healthcare professional, but sometimes may be necessary. For dizziness, a healthcare provider may: Ask for details about symptoms, such as if vertigo is present and when the dizziness started Ask about a family history of fainting, light-headedness, and conditions that can cause dizziness Do a physical exam to check overall health Check blood pressure and heart rate Run an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) or echocardiogram (echo) test to check heart rhythm Run blood tests to check for conditions such as anemia Run other tests to look for or rule out conditions that can cause dizziness For headaches, a healthcare provider may: Ask questions about the headaches (keeping a diary for recurrent headaches or migraines can help determine triggers)Ask about a family history of headaches or conditions that can cause headachesAsk questions about the child's lifestyle and environment, such as sleeping and eating habits, and emotional and mental healthDo a physical exam to check for overall health Other tests are not usually necessary, but may include: Blood tests: May include a complete blood count (CBC), levels of iron, levels of ferritin (a blood protein that contains iron), and thyroid function tests MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan: Produces detailed images of inside the body using large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer CT (computed tomography) scan: Uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of any part of the body Polysomnogram: Records breathing and muscle movements in a sleep lab to check for a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea or another sleep-related problem Treatment at Home Laying down and resting in a dark, quiet, comfortable-temperature room is often all that is needed to get rid of dizziness or headache in children. Eating a snack or drinking some water or juice can also help both dizziness and headache. Other remedies are more symptom specific. Dizziness If no medical attention is needed, dizziness can be treated at home with remedies such as: Laying the child down with their feet raised at a higher level than their heart Sitting the child with their head placed between their knees If the child is overheated, helping them cool off (a cool, not ice cold, shower or bath can help) If rest, food, water, or other actions don't alleviate the symptoms, contact a healthcare provider. IV (intravenous, through a vein) fluids may be necessary. Headaches If the child does not need medical attention, headaches can be treated at home with: Rest or sleepA cool compress applied to the forehead, eyes, or back of the neckA warm (not hot) compress on the head or neck, or a warm bath or showerRelaxation techniques such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mental imagery relaxation, or relaxation to musicFood, water, or juicePain relief medications such as ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) Use Caution with Medication Give pain medications when the headache first starts as it is more effective before the pain gets worse. Do not give more than two to three doses of pain medications in a week unless directed by a healthcare provider (more than this can cause a type of headache called medication overuse headache). Never give aspirin to a person under age 18, as it can cause a rare but potentially fatal condition called Reye's syndrome. When to Seek Professional Treatment If you think your child needs emergency medical attention, call 911 immediately. If the dizziness or headache doesn't get better, gets worse, or comes back, call your child's healthcare provider. There may be an underlying condition that needs to be addressed. Dizziness Seek medical attention right away if there is: Fainting during exercise, active play, or sports A fainting episode that lasts longer than 30 seconds Repeated/recurrent episodes of fainting or dizziness Chest pain accompanying the dizziness or fainting A racing or irregular heartbeat A seizure or signs of a seizure such as repeated jerking of the arms, legs, or face muscles Family history of sudden cardiac death Suspected dehydration or heat exhaustion/heat stroke A belief your child needs medical attention Headache Call 911 if there is sudden, severe head pain happening for the first time, especially with: Double visionConfusionSleepiness/hard to wake upNumbnessProjectile vomitingThinking your child needs emergency care A stiff neck, or complaints of neck pain, alongside the headache, especially with a fever, may indicate meningitis, which requires emergency medical attention. Contact the child's healthcare provider for headaches: That occur daily or frequentlyThat are caused by straining from coughing, sneezing, exercising, or having a bowel movementThat come with pain in the eye or earAccompanied by confusion, nausea, or vomitingWith sensitivity to light and soundWith numbnessThat keep coming back and are getting worseFollowing a head injury that last for a weekSevere enough to wake the child from sleepAbout which you have other questions or concerns Overview of Headaches in Kids and the Symptoms to Worry About Prevention Staying well rested and well hydrated go a long way in preventing dizziness and headaches in children, but there are other measures that can be taken. Dizziness Stay hydrated, especially during heat and activity. If needed, increase salt intake (such as eating potato chips or pretzels) to help prevent dehydration. Get enough quality sleep. Eat healthy foods at regular intervals. When standing for long periods, flex leg muscles, change positions, and bend at the waist occasionally. Slowly move from lying to sitting and from sitting to standing. Follow up with a healthcare provider if ongoing measures are needed. Headaches Learn triggers and avoid them. Take measures to reduce stress and anxiety. Eat a healthy, well-balanced, and varied diet. Get enough quality sleep. Exercise regularly. Drink water and other low-sugar, caffeine-free drinks throughout the day. Follow up with a healthcare provider if ongoing measures are needed. Summary Dizziness and headaches are common in children and are usually not serious. Depending on the cause, a child might have other symptoms as well. The symptoms might occur separately or together. Treating headaches and dizziness in kids will depend on what is causing the symptoms. In some cases, at-home and over-the-counter (OTC) treatments might be enough. If these remedies do not work, your doctor may prescribe treatment. A Word From Verywell Dizziness and headaches are rarely serious in kids. Most of the time, a cool drink and rest are all that's needed to help your child feel better. If at-home measures do not relieve the dizziness or headache, call your child's doctor. Frequently Asked Questions How long will dizziness and headaches last in my child? Dizziness and headaches usually go away on their own with a snack, a drink, and rest or sleep.If the dizziness or headache lasts longer than this, and you don't know the reason why, call your child's healthcare provider, or seek emergency care if necessary. What is the cause of sudden dizziness and headaches in my child? Dizziness and headaches can be caused by a number of factors. Commonly, they are caused by dehydration, hunger, becoming overheated, stress, or illness. Migraines may have triggers such as foods or scents.While some causes for dizziness and headaches can be serious, such as meningitis, most of the time temporary dizziness and headaches are nothing to worry about. What should I use to treat dizziness and headaches in my child at home? The treatment for dizziness and/or headaches depends on what is causing them, but oftentimes a cool drink, some food, or rest or sleep is enough to relieve dizziness and headaches. Pediatric Headache Red Flags and When to Seek Treatment 16 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Fairview. When your child has dizziness or fainting. Vestibular Disorders Association. Causes of Dizziness. Vestibular Disorders Association. About vestibular disorders. Seattle Children's Hospital. Headache. 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Dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders in children. Johns Hopkins. Vestibular migraine. American Academy of Pediatrics. Headaches: when to call the pediatrician. Johns Hopkins. Headaches in children. American Migraine Foundation. Caring for a child with migraine. National Headache Foundation. Childrens headache disorders. American Academy of Pediatrics. Dizziness and fainting in children and teens. By Heather Jones Heather M. Jones is a freelance writer with a strong focus on health, parenting, disability, and feminism. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit