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www.FredericksburgParent.NET 29 Sponsored Material If your child or teen is experiencing frequent headaches or exhibi ng any of the symptoms noted above, contact: Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU 1-844-828-2467 or visit chrichmond.org Sanjai C. Rao, DO, child neurologist and board- cer fi ed headache specialist at Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU. "It's best to notify the doctor as soon as you notice a pattern developing." Be careful using over-the-counter medica ons like ibuprofen, aspirin or acetaminophen. Too frequent usage and incorrect dosing can some- mes cause headaches to become more fre- quent or have addi onal side eff ects. Talk with the doctor about what's best for your child. A headache diary including the date/ me, severity, symptoms and what helped ease the pain will help your child's doctor determine the type and triggers of the headaches, along with the best treatment op ons. WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR For most, headaches aren't cause for alarm but there are a few things to keep in mind if your child complains of headaches. It's best to no fy the doctor as soon as you no ce a pa ern developing. You should also call if headaches: • Occur with increasing frequency/severity • Occur with persistent vomi ng or visual changes • Occur with enough intensity to wake your child from sleep • Are associated with weakness, paralysis or loss of sensa on • Interfere with the ability to func on (at school or at home) • Are accompanied by a change in personality or behavior Too little sleep Weather pressure Too much screen time CAUSES OF HEADACHES Just like adults, a child's headaches can be caused by: • Not drinking enough water • Drinking too much caff eine • Skipping meals • Neck and/or eye strain from electronic devices • Too little sleep • Weather changes • Stress Drinking too much caff eine