By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — May 20, 2026
when your child keeps getting headaches: what Phoenix parents need to know
If your child is missing school, turning down activities, or waking up with head pain on a regular basis, stop waiting and start looking for answers. Headaches rank among the most common neurological complaints in children and teenagers, and they get dismissed more than almost any other symptom. Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion, a pediatric headache doctor in Phoenix, diagnoses and treats the full range of childhood headache disorders, from occasional tension headaches to migraines that keep kids in bed.
how common are headaches in children?
Up to 58% of school-age children get headaches at some point, and migraines are more common than most parents think. By age 15, somewhere between 8% and 23% of children have had migraine episodes. Yet pediatric headaches go undertreated, often because caregivers assume kids are exaggerating, or because they can't tell whether the symptoms warrant a specialist.
Arizona's heat makes this worse. Dehydration triggers headaches in children and gets overlooked, especially in summer when temperatures sit above 110°F for weeks. A kid who spends time outdoors for school sports, recreation, or just the walk to and from school can drink too little water and set off a migraine or worsen an existing pattern.
types of headaches Dr. Zach treats
Pediatric Migraines
Migraine in children looks different than it does in adults. Kids tend to have shorter attacks, pain on both sides of the head rather than one, and more nausea or vomiting. Many are sensitive to light and sound and want a dark, quiet room. Some get an aura first, visual disturbances like zigzag lines or blind spots, before the headache starts. Others get no aura.
Abdominal migraine, a variant seen almost only in children, causes stomach pain instead of head pain, usually with nausea and pallor. It gets missed or misdiagnosed often. Dr. Zach's experience with pediatric headaches in their many forms means children with atypical patterns don't get left without a diagnosis.
Tension-Type Headaches
Tension headaches are the most common type in school-age children. They produce a steady, pressing pain on both sides of the head, often described as a tight band, and they tie back to stress, poor posture, eye strain, and bad sleep. Remote learning, heavy backpacks, and hours of screen time have made them more common among Phoenix-area kids and teens.
Post-Concussion Headaches
Head pain that shows up or sticks around after a head injury can mean post-concussion syndrome. That matters for young athletes in Arizona, where sports run all year. Headaches after a head injury need a careful neurological exam. Dr. Zach works with families to evaluate these symptoms as part of pediatric concussion care.
Secondary Headaches and Red Flags
Not every headache is a primary headache disorder. Some come from underlying conditions like elevated intracranial pressure, infections, or structural problems. These symptoms call for an urgent evaluation:
- Headaches that wake your child from sleep
- A sudden, severe "thunderclap" headache unlike anything before
- Headaches with fever, stiff neck, or rash
- Pain that gets worse over days or weeks
- Neurological symptoms such as weakness, vision changes, or coordination problems
- Headaches in a child under 6 years old
If you see any of these, get your child evaluated quickly. Dr. Zach sometimes recommends testing like a pediatric EEG to rule out seizure activity, which can appear alongside headaches or imitate them.
how headaches get diagnosed and treated
A Thorough Diagnostic Process
At Rose Medical Pavilion, the evaluation starts with a detailed history: how often the headaches come, how long they last, where they hurt, what comes with them, what triggers them, and what runs in the family. Dr. Zach gets the full picture of your child's health before settling on a diagnosis. Every visit includes a neurological exam, and imaging or other testing follows when the situation calls for it.
Individualized Treatment Plans
There's no single treatment for pediatric headaches. Depending on the diagnosis and the child's age, the plan might include:
- Lifestyle changes, like consistent sleep, hydration that holds up in Phoenix's climate, regular meals, and less screen time
- Behavioral approaches, including biofeedback, relaxation techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy for stress-related headaches
- Acute medications, meaning pain relief and anti-nausea medication taken when a headache starts
- Preventive medications, daily therapy that can cut down how often and how hard headaches hit children with frequent or disabling migraines
Dr. Zach weighs the benefits and risks of any medication and brings families into every decision. Keeping a headache diary before and between visits helps track progress and spot patterns.
insurance and access to care in Arizona
Rose Medical Pavilion accepts many insurance plans common to Arizona families, including AHCCCS, the state's Medicaid program. Getting a pediatric specialist can feel out of reach, but Dr. Zach treats children across the Phoenix metro area no matter their insurance type. If you have questions about coverage, our team can help before your first visit.
you don't have to watch your child suffer
Frequent headaches eat into your child's ability to learn, play, sleep, and feel like a kid. With the right diagnosis and a plan built for them by an experienced child headache specialist in Phoenix, AZ, most children get real relief. Dr. Tamara Zach MD and the team at Rose Medical Pavilion can help your family get there.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule an appointment at Rose Medical Pavilion today and let Dr. Zach build a headache treatment plan made for your child.
Schedule an Appointment
Questions about your child's neurological health? Dr. Tamara Zach MD at Rose Medical Pavilion is here to help. Call (623) 257-ROSE (7673) or schedule online.