Tele-triage for Headache in Children

Audience: pediatric

Headaches are common in children and can range from mild to severe. Tele-triage can help families understand when a headache might be managed at home and when to seek urgent medical care. During a telemedicine visit, a healthcare provider can ask about symptoms, medical history, and possible triggers to guide advice. While many headaches are not serious, some signs require prompt in-person evaluation. Tele-triage offers a convenient way to get professional guidance quickly, especially when traveling to a clinic is difficult. However, it cannot replace a full physical exam or urgent testing when needed. Recognizing warning signs and preparing for your tele-visit can improve care and safety for your child.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe headache unlike any before — seek emergency care immediately.
• Headache accompanied by fever and neck stiffness — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Headache following a head injury, especially with vomiting or confusion — seek emergency care.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate headaches without alarming symptoms.
• Guidance on headache management, hydration, and symptom monitoring.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care or emergency services.
• Follow-up consultations for headache treatment plans.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations with severe neurological symptoms.
• Headaches with signs of infection requiring physical examination and testing.
• Head injuries needing imaging or urgent intervention.
• Diagnosis requiring physical neurological examination or imaging tests.

Common Causes of Headache in Children

Headaches in children often result from tension, dehydration, stress, or minor infections like colds. Migraines can also occur and may cause throbbing pain, sensitivity to light, or nausea. Less commonly, headaches may be due to more serious conditions such as infections of the brain, head injuries, or other medical issues. Understanding the cause helps guide appropriate care.

When to Use Telemedicine for a Child's Headache

Telemedicine is useful for initial evaluation when a child has a headache without severe or alarming symptoms. Providers can assess headache patterns, triggers, and associated symptoms through video or phone calls. This can help decide if home care is appropriate or if in-person care is needed. Tele-triage is especially helpful for follow-up or ongoing headache management.

Warning Signs That Need Immediate In-Person Care

Certain symptoms require urgent medical attention, including:

If these signs appear, seek emergency care promptly.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your tele-visit:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

Keep a headache diary if advised to help track progress.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note the onset, duration, and characteristics of the headache.
• Record any associated symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or vision changes.
• List any recent illnesses, injuries, or stressors.
• Prepare a list of current medications and medical history.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with good internet or phone connection for the visit.
• Have a caregiver present if the child is very young or unable to communicate clearly.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions for home care or medications.
• Monitor the child’s symptoms and note any changes or new warning signs.
• Keep a headache diary if recommended to track frequency and triggers.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as advised.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red-flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

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

Telemedicine can help assess symptoms and guide initial care but often cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without a physical exam or tests. If needed, the provider will recommend in-person evaluation.

When should I take my child to the emergency room for a headache?

If your child has a sudden, severe headache, headache with fever and neck stiffness, headache after a head injury, or neurological symptoms like weakness or confusion, seek emergency care immediately.

Are headaches common in children?

Yes, headaches are common in children and often caused by tension, dehydration, or minor illnesses. Many headaches can be managed at home with proper care.

What can I do at home to help my child’s headache?

Ensure your child stays hydrated, rests in a quiet and dark room, and uses age-appropriate pain relief if recommended by a healthcare provider. Avoid known headache triggers when possible.

Is follow-up care needed after a telemedicine visit for headache?

Sometimes follow-up is necessary to monitor symptoms, adjust treatment, or perform further evaluation. Your provider will advise if and when to schedule another visit.

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.
3. Headache - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Headache in Children: When to Worry — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned, seek immediate medical attention.