Use Self-Scheduling to book a primary care appointment online

Childhood Headaches

Headaches and migraines can affect the quality of life for many children. The Children & Young Adult Headache and Research Program at the Kentucky Neuroscience Institute focuses on treating and improving the lives of children and young adults with headaches.

UK HealthCare’s Children & Young Adult Headache and Research Program is the only multidisciplinary clinic in the region dedicated to treating childhood headaches. Our specialists treat children and young adults up to age 25. Your child’s care team will include a pediatric neurologist, a pain psychologist, a pediatric nurse practitioner and other providers trained to diagnose and treat children.

Visit the full Children & Young Adult Headache and Research Program webpage for program and treatment overviews, providers, and location details.

Headache Treatments for Children and Young Adults

Our approach to headache treatment for children includes a wide range of medical and non-medical options. First, we perform a thorough assessment to try to determine the cause of your child’s headaches. That information helps us create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your child’s specific needs. 

We offer a wide variety of treatments that can help your child feel better and even prevent many headaches. Treatment options may include cognitive behavioral therapy, nerve blocks and medications.

About Childhood Headaches

Children can experience different types of headaches, including:

  • Tension headaches: Most common type of headache and often caused by stress.
  • Migraines: Can start in early childhood and pain is often on one side of the head.
  • Cluster headaches: Usually start after age 10 and more common in boys.
  • Secondary headaches: Rare and usually caused by an illness or injury.

Childhood headaches may lead to issues with school and behavior or depression. These headaches can have a variety of causes, including:

  • Stress
  • Hormones
  • Dehydration
  • Diet
  • Genetics
  • Medication

Learn more

Get more information on headache treatments, what to expect at your first appointment and more.

Make an appointment

To make an appointment, call us at 859-323-5661.