How to prepare for a telemedicine visit about Headache in Children

Audience: pediatric

Headaches are common in children and can have many causes, ranging from mild to serious. A telemedicine visit can be a convenient way to discuss your child's headache symptoms with a healthcare provider. During the visit, the provider will ask about the headache's frequency, intensity, and any other symptoms your child may have. It is important to prepare for the visit by gathering information about your child's medical history and headache patterns. While telemedicine can help assess many headache cases, some situations require in-person evaluation to ensure safety. Knowing when to seek urgent care is essential for your child's health. This guide helps families prepare for a telemedicine visit about pediatric headaches and understand its benefits and limits.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden onset of a very severe headache unlike any before — seek emergency care immediately.
• Headache accompanied by confusion, weakness, difficulty speaking, or vision changes — seek urgent in-person evaluation.
• Headache with fever, stiff neck, or rash — these may indicate infection and require prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate headaches without alarming symptoms.
• Providing guidance on headache management and lifestyle adjustments.
• Determining if further testing or in-person evaluation is needed.
• Follow-up visits for ongoing headache care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or sudden onset headaches requiring immediate physical examination.
• Neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties.
• Signs of infection like fever with stiff neck or rash needing urgent care.
• Situations requiring imaging studies or emergency interventions.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask detailed questions about your child's headache, such as when it started, how often it occurs, and what makes it better or worse. They may also inquire about other symptoms like nausea, vision changes, or fever. A physical exam may be limited, but the provider can observe your child through video for signs of distress or neurological problems. Be ready to describe your child's daily routine, recent illnesses, and any medications or supplements they take.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before the visit, write down your child's headache details, including:

Also, have your child's medical records handy, including past diagnoses or treatments. Ensure a quiet, well-lit space for the video call and test your device's camera and microphone.

When Telemedicine is Appropriate for Pediatric Headaches

Telemedicine can often help assess headaches that are mild to moderate and have no alarming symptoms. It is useful for follow-up visits or when in-person care is difficult to access. Providers can offer advice on managing headaches, suggest lifestyle changes, and decide if further testing is needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has sudden, severe headaches, neurological symptoms, or signs of infection, they need prompt in-person evaluation. Some headaches may indicate serious conditions that require physical exams, imaging, or emergency care. Do not delay seeking urgent care if your child shows red flag symptoms.

Tips for After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the provider's recommendations carefully. This may include tracking headache patterns, trying suggested treatments, or scheduling follow-up visits. If your child's symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care immediately.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down detailed headache history including onset, frequency, duration, and severity.
• Note any associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or vision changes.
• Gather your child's medical history and current medications or supplements.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection for the video call.
• Test your device's camera and microphone before the appointment.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on medications and lifestyle changes.
• Keep a headache diary to monitor patterns and triggers.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments or tests.
• Seek immediate care if red flag symptoms appear after the visit.
• Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or new concerns arise.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose the cause of my child's headache?

Telemedicine can help your healthcare provider understand your child's headache by asking detailed questions and observing symptoms. However, some causes may require physical exams or tests that need an in-person visit.

What should I do if my child's headache gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your child's headache worsens or new symptoms like weakness, vision changes, or fever develop, seek in-person medical care promptly or go to the emergency department.

How can I help reduce my child's headaches at home?

Encourage regular sleep, healthy meals, hydration, and stress reduction. Avoid known headache triggers like certain foods or screen overuse. Your provider may suggest specific treatments during the telemedicine visit.

Is it safe to use telemedicine for urgent headache concerns?

Telemedicine is useful for many headache concerns but is not a substitute for emergency care. If your child has sudden severe headaches or alarming symptoms, seek immediate in-person medical attention.

Sources

1. Headache in Children — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Headache in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
3. Headache — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Headache: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine can help assess many headache symptoms but does not replace in-person evaluation when needed. If your child has severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.