14 years old boy with headaches

[ange943]

My son is 14 years old and has been getting headaches now for almost 2 years. He comes home from school everyday with one and says that it gets worse when he is out in the sun. Hes very active in sports, but these headaches are keeping him from being fully involved.  I've been to the doctors 3 or 4 times, with no real solution. He isn't much of a complainer, so I do believe they are worse than what he is telling me. When I ask him where they hurt, he says in the front, where his forehead is. Sometimes he wakes up with these headache. Can anyone help me pinpoint where these headaches are coming from and what can I do to relieve my sons constant pain?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

OTC anlagesics may be able to help for as long he does not have any prior allergies to any of these.A cool compress over the head and over the neck and shoulders may soothe and alleviate the pain  ,lots of water and adequate sleep will be beneficial.

He may need to have his eyes checked again. His optometrist may be able to provide him with eye glasses that he may use while playing ( they may be able to customize a frame for him ). Uncorrected errors of refraction may cause headaches.

[ange943]

Hi,

No, he doesnt dive. He played football in the fall, and now he is doing track and field. The doctor says it might be his eating habits, not eating enough.  Also she said he might not be drinking enough fluids either. No test were taken, no scans given. And no medication prescribed. We have not been to an ENT yet, but I will get right on it.  Also he wore glasses about 3 years back, and stopped wearing them because he said he didnt need them anymore.  In the meantime, what can I give him to relieve the pain.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

You have mentioned tha your son is very much engaged in sports. Does he swim/dive?
Has he mentioned of having hit himself in the head by someone or by a ball etc?

When your son had his consultations what diagnoses were given? Any diagnostic tests done like a scan for instance?

Any medications?

Tension headaches, migraines, sinus problems,eye problems and soft tissue swelling may cause headaches. Has your son been thoroughly evaluated by an ENT specialist just to rule out involvement of the sinuses? Any probems with vision?

If possible, it would be best to avoid exposure to extreme heat for the moment since this may trigger the headaches.Also a well balanced diet and adequate amount of fluid especially while playing may help.Any prolonged exposure to bright lights , loud noises and extreme temperatures may be avoided when posssible until a thorough evaluation is done.

Migraines are diagnosed when all other underlying conditions have been excluded.Do keep us posted for anything.