<div class="" data-article-body="true"><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/us/topics/curious-kids-us-74795" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Curious Kids;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Curious Kids</a> is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to <a href="mailto:curiouskidsus@theconversation.com" data-ylk="slk:CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com</a>.</em></p><hr class="my-4"><blockquote class="mb-4 border-l-2 pl-5 italic text-tertiary"><div class=""><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Why do people get headaches? – Evie V., age 10, Corpus Christi, Texas</p></div></blockquote><hr class="my-4"><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Whether sharp and stabbing or dull and throbbing, a headache can ruin your day. But your <a href="https://nba.uth.tmc.edu/neuroscience/m/s2/chapter06.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:brain doesn’t actually feel pain;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">brain doesn’t actually feel pain</a>. So what is going on when it feels like your head is in a vise or about to explode?</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="https://www.pediatrics.pitt.edu/people/katherine-cobb-pitstick" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:I am a child neurologist;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">I am a child neurologist</a> – that is, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the brain in kids. Most of my patients are kids and adolescents who are struggling with headaches.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.00034.2015" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Head pain;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Head pain</a> is complicated, and there is still a lot to learn about what causes it and how it can be treated. But researchers know there are a few key players that take part in generating pain.</p><h2 class="mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl">What are headaches?</h2><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Nerves <a href="https://openbooks.lib.msu.edu/introneuroscience1/chapter/pain/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:communicate information like pain;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">communicate information like pain</a> through electrical signals between the body and the brain.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">While the brain itself doesn’t have any nerve sensors to feel pain, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/b978-0-12-823356-6.00001-9" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:blood vessels in the head and structures;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">blood vessels in the head and structures</a> that protect and surround the brain do sense pain. When these tissues detect injury or damage, they release chemicals that trigger transmission of electrical signals through nerves to tell the brain the head is hurting.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">The brain will also use nerves to signal the body to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-024-01914-z" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:respond to pain with symptoms;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">respond to pain with symptoms</a> like feeling tired, teary eyes, runny nose, upset stomach and discomfort in bright or loud environments. It’s not clear <a href="https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1468-2982.2002.00437.x" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:why humans evolved to feel these symptoms;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">why humans evolved to feel these symptoms</a>, but some scientists theorize that this can lead to healthier lifestyle choices to decrease the chance of future headache attacks.</p><h2 class="mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl">What causes headaches?</h2><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Often, headaches are a sign that the body is under some kind of stress. That stress triggers <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14786" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:chemical and physical changes;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">chemical and physical changes</a> to the nerves and blood vessels around your brain, head and neck that can cause headaches.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/top-10-migraine-triggers/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Many types of stresses can cause headaches;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Many types of stresses can cause headaches</a>, including an infection, allergies, hormone changes during puberty and menstrual cycles, not getting enough sleep, not drinking enough water, skipping meals or drinking too much caffeine or alcohol. Sometimes, headaches happen with emotional stress, like feeling anxious or depressed. Even <a href="https://health.clevelandclinic.org/barometric-pressure-headache" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:pressure in your sinuses;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">pressure in your sinuses</a> due to changes in the weather can cause your head to hurt.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-013-0341-z" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:One in 11 kids;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">One in 11 kids</a> have had a type of severe headache called a migraine. They feel like a pulsing and pounding pain in your head and come with other symptoms, including nausea or being sensitive to lights and sounds. During a migraine, it can be hard to do everyday activities because they can make the pain worse. It is also very common to feel unwell or irritable <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-018-0865-y" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:before the head pain starts;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">before the head pain starts</a> and after the pain is gone.</p><figure class="relative mb-4"><div class="relative"><img alt="Person curled up on couch beneath a blanket, hand over head" loading="lazy" width="960" height="640" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="rounded-lg" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/J3.lrcVEuqfTApTW91pyEQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_conversation_us_articles_815/9f5136598eab81f38b25d5b99007e624"><button aria-label="View larger image" class="group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent" data-ylk="elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;"><span class="absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none"><svg viewbox="0 0 22 22" aria-hidden="true" class="size-4 lg:size-6" width="22" height="22"><path d="M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z"></path></svg></span></button><dialog aria-label="Modal Dialog" aria-modal="true" class="fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden"></dialog></div><figcaption class="relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5"><div style="max-height:none;overflow:visible">Migraines and chronic headaches can be debilitating. <a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/frustrated-depressed-millennial-girl-lying-in-royalty-free-image/1778015136" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Viktoriya Skorikova/Moment via Getty Images;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Viktoriya Skorikova/Moment via Getty Images</a></div></figcaption></figure><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Migraines occur when the nerves and other structures used in signaling and interpreting pain aren’t working properly, leading to pain and discomfort from stimulation that wouldn’t normally provoke this. There are many <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111557" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:environmental and genetic;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">environmental and genetic</a> factors that contribute to this dysfunction. Some people are <a href="https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S282562" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:born with a higher risk;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">born with a higher risk</a> of developing migraines. Most people with migraines have someone in their family who also experiences them.</p><h2 class="mb-4 text-xl font-bold md:text-2xl">What can treat and prevent headaches?</h2><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Identifying what type of headache you’re experiencing is crucial to making sure it is treated properly. Because migraines can be severe, they’re the type of headache that <a href="https://doi.org/10.1212/con.0000000000001414" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:most often leads to doctor’s visits;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">most often leads to doctor’s visits</a> for both kids and adults.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">There are several ways to <a href="https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/lifestyle-changes-for-migraine/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:reduce your chances of having headaches;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">reduce your chances of having headaches</a>, such as drinking plenty of water and limiting caffeine. Eating, sleeping and exercising regularly are other ways you can help prevent headaches.</p><figure class="relative mb-4"><div class="relative"><img alt="Person with head resting on forearms on top of a pile of books in a library" loading="lazy" width="960" height="643" decoding="async" data-nimg="1" class="rounded-lg" style="color:transparent" src="https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/4C2wRjXe2BEaeWZF0t5wdg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MztjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_conversation_us_articles_815/b9d7d1cd72e89c0e34338713910127c1"><button aria-label="View larger image" class="group absolute bottom-3 right-3 size-10 md:size-[50px] lg:inset-0 lg:size-full lg:bg-transparent" data-ylk="elm:expand;itc:1;sec:image-lightbox;slk:lightbox-open;"><span class="absolute bottom-0 right-0 rounded-full bg-white p-3 opacity-100 shadow-elevation-3 transition-opacity duration-300 group-hover:block group-hover:opacity-100 md:p-[17px] lg:bottom-6 lg:right-6 lg:bg-white/90 lg:p-5 lg:opacity-0 lg:shadow-none"><svg viewbox="0 0 22 22" aria-hidden="true" class="size-4 lg:size-6" width="22" height="22"><path d="M12.372.92c0-.506.41-.916.915-.916L21 0l-.004 7.712a.917.917 0 0 1-1.832 0V3.183l-6.827 6.828-1.349-1.348 6.828-6.828h-4.529a.915.915 0 0 1-.915-.915M1.835 17.816l6.828-6.828 1.349 1.349-6.829 6.827h4.529a.915.915 0 0 1 0 1.831L0 21l.004-7.713a.916.916 0 0 1 1.831 0z"></path></svg></span></button><dialog aria-label="Modal Dialog" aria-modal="true" class="fixed inset-0 z-4 size-full max-h-none max-w-none bg-white hidden"></dialog></div><figcaption class="relative text-sm mt-1 pr-2.5"><div style="max-height:none;overflow:visible">Sleep deprivation can worsen headaches. <a href="https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/photo/tired-teenager-resting-on-a-pile-of-books-royalty-free-image/866310120" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:DjelicS/iStock via Getty Images Plus;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">DjelicS/iStock via Getty Images Plus</a></div></figcaption></figure><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">While painkillers like ibuprofen are often enough to relieve a headache, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1212/con.0000000000001414" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:prescription medications are sometimes necessary;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">prescription medications are sometimes necessary</a> to make head pain more bearable. Some medications can also help control or prevent headache episodes. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-024-03833-7" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Physical therapy;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Physical therapy</a> to exercise the body or <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/head.14914" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:behavioral therapy;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">behavioral therapy</a> to work on the mind can also help you manage headache pain. There are even <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/life14020173" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:electronic devices;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">electronic devices</a> to treat headaches by stimulating different parts of the nervous system.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">It is important to talk with a doctor about headaches, especially if it’s a new problem or you experience a change in how they usually feel. Sometimes, brain imaging or blood tests are needed to rule out another health issue.</p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words">Recognizing a headache problem early will help your doctor get started on helping you figure out the best way to treat it.</p><hr class="my-4"><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><em>Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to <a href="mailto:curiouskidsus@theconversation.com" data-ylk="slk:CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com</a>. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.</em></p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><em>And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.</em></p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com/us?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=related-link-0&amp;utm_content=article-268838" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:The Conversation;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">The Conversation</a>, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katherine-cobb-pitstick-2517596?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=byline-link&amp;utm_content=article-268838" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Katherine Cobb-Pitstick;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Katherine Cobb-Pitstick</a>, <em><a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-pittsburgh-854?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=byline-link&amp;utm_content=article-268838" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:University of Pittsburgh;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">University of Pittsburgh</a></em> </em></p><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><strong>Read more:</strong><br></p><ul class="mb-4"><li class="ml-4 list-disc"><div class=""><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="http://theconversation.com/why-are-migraines-worse-during-your-period-research-in-mice-points-to-a-hormone-called-progesterone-offering-a-new-treatment-target-234876?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=related-link0&amp;utm_content=article-268838" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Why are migraines worse during your period? Research in mice points to a hormone called progesterone, offering a new treatment target;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">Why are migraines worse during your period? Research in mice points to a hormone called progesterone, offering a new treatment target</a></p></div></li><li class="ml-4 list-disc"><div class=""><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="http://theconversation.com/how-do-painkillers-actually-kill-pain-from-ibuprofen-to-fentanyl-its-about-meeting-the-pain-where-its-at-173804?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=related-link1&amp;utm_content=article-268838" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:How do painkillers actually kill pain? From ibuprofen to fentanyl, it’s about meeting the pain where it’s at;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">How do painkillers actually kill pain? From ibuprofen to fentanyl, it’s about meeting the pain where it’s at</a></p></div></li><li class="ml-4 list-disc"><div class=""><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><a href="http://theconversation.com/if-evolution-is-real-then-why-isnt-it-happening-now-an-anthropologist-explains-that-humans-actually-are-still-evolving-266669?utm_source=Yahoo&amp;utm_medium=related-link&amp;utm_campaign=related-link2&amp;utm_content=article-268838" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:If evolution is real, then why isn’t it happening now? An anthropologist explains that humans actually are still evolving;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" class="link ">If evolution is real, then why isn’t it happening now? An anthropologist explains that humans actually are still evolving</a></p></div></li></ul><p class="mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words"><em><span>Katherine Cobb-Pitstick does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.</span></em></p></div>

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