By Dr. Tamara Zach MD — June 14, 2026
headaches in kids are common, but not always harmless
Nearly every child gets a headache at some point. Studies put the number around 75 percent of children having a significant headache before their teenage years. Most are tension headaches, stress headaches, or early pediatric headaches that turn into migraine patterns. They're uncomfortable and disruptive. They're not dangerous.
Some headaches are. Knowing which symptoms separate a routine headache from a neurological emergency can change the outcome for your child. At Rose Medical Pavilion, Dr. Tamara Zach MD works with families across Phoenix to evaluate, diagnose, and manage pediatric headache disorders, including the ones that signal something serious.
why the warning signs are easy to miss
Children struggle to describe what they're feeling. A five-year-old might just say their head "hurts a lot." An older child might mention pressure, throbbing, or pain behind their eyes. So watch the pattern of the headaches, not only the pain.
Neurologists use the mnemonic SNOOP to flag headache warning signs in adults and children. A version of that framework helps parents recognize when waiting is the wrong move.
red flags that mean act now
the thunderclap headache
A thunderclap headache hits maximum, severe intensity within 60 seconds. Kids and teenagers who get one often call it "the worst headache of my life" or say something "exploded" in their head.
This is an emergency. It can point to a subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding around the brain), a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, or another serious vascular event. If your child describes a sudden, explosive headache, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Don't wait for an appointment.
headaches that wake your child up
Some kids with migraines sleep through attacks. But a headache that consistently wakes a child, especially in the early morning hours, is a warning sign. These can be tied to increased pressure inside the skull, which may mean a structural problem that needs urgent imaging.
headaches that keep getting worse
A headache that worsens steadily over days or weeks, with no pain-free periods, is concerning. Episodic migraine and tension headaches come and go. A progressively worsening one suggests something is changing inside the brain. Worry more if it comes with changes in your child's personality, school performance, or coordination.
headaches with neurological symptoms
Pay close attention if your child's headaches show up alongside any of these:
- Sudden vision changes, double vision, or vision loss
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or finding words
- Loss of balance or trouble walking
- Confusion or altered consciousness
- Seizure activity — if you have any concerns about seizures occurring alongside headaches, early evaluation for pediatric seizures is strongly recommended
These symptoms suggest the headache is a sign of something more complicated affecting the brain or nervous system.
headaches after a head injury
Arizona kids spend a lot of time outdoors. Youth sports, recreation, desert play in the heat. Head injuries happen. If your child develops persistent or worsening headaches after any head trauma, get a prompt evaluation. Post-traumatic headaches can be part of a broader concussion syndrome, and specialized pediatric concussion care helps guide recovery and watch for complications.
new headaches in very young kids
New headaches in children under five should always be checked by a physician. Young children can't reliably report pain, and a persistent or recurring headache complaint from a toddler or preschooler deserves real neurological attention, not a "wait and see" approach.
heat and headaches in arizona
Phoenix brings an environmental factor most places don't: extreme heat. During Arizona summers, dehydration and heat-related illness are leading headache triggers in children. A heat-related headache differs from a dangerous neurological one, but repeated dehydration can lower a child's headache threshold and make an underlying migraine condition more frequent or more obvious.
Consistent hydration, limiting outdoor time during peak heat, and adequate electrolyte intake all cut down on heat-triggered headaches. If headaches persist even in cooler months or with good hydration, get a neurological evaluation.
what an evaluation involves
When a child is referred for headache red flags, a pediatric neurologist like Dr. Tamara Zach MD takes a thorough neurological history and does a physical exam. Depending on the picture, testing such as a pediatric EEG or neuroimaging may be ordered to rule out underlying causes and shape treatment. The aim is to find answers quickly and clearly, so families can move forward.
trust your instincts
You know your child better than anyone. If the headaches feel different, if the pain seems unusually severe, if your child isn't acting like themselves, or if a worrying pattern is forming, take that instinct seriously. These red flags aren't meant to cause panic. They're meant to prompt action.
At Rose Medical Pavilion in Phoenix, Dr. Tamara Zach MD and her team provide expert, compassionate pediatric neurological care to children and families across Arizona. Whether your child has new or worsening headaches, or you just want answers about a pattern that concerns you, we're here to help.
Schedule a consultation at Rose Medical Pavilion today and take the first step toward understanding your child's headaches and protecting their neurological health.
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.