Headache

Question

My daughter is three years old and has CF. I have a question: she frequently says she has a headache or that her legs hurt. I asked our doctor but did not get an answer. Is it possible that she does indeed have a headache and what can be the cause?

Many thanks for the answer.

Answer

Hello,

You are saying that your three-year-old daughter, who has CF, frequently complains about headaches and pain in the legs. You would like to know what could be the reason for this.

Overall, it is rather unusual that a three-year-old child frequently complains about headaches. Children at this age more often complain about pain in the legs, especially when they are supposed to walk great distances and the child is a bit lazy and would prefer to be carried. Children who would not like to do other things usually tend to complain about stomach ache as an excuse.

Headaches should therefore be taken seriously. They can be caused by troubles of the sinuses; however, since the sinuses are not fully developed in a three-year-old, this problem does not apply to your daughter. Children often complain about headaches when their vision is disturbed. Your daughter should therefore be examined by an eye specialist. Furthermore, I know that an overdosage of vitamin A can cause headaches, tiredness, bone pain and other general troubles. Since your child is probably getting vitamins A, D, E, and K prescribed and since these vitamins are also added to multi-vitamin juices and other food, the vitamin A level in her blood should be determined.

Children also frequently complain about pain in the legs during periods of growth. If this pain is not present constantly and does not limit your child in her play, you can take your time to observe this and it does not require further exams.

I hope we could help you with these tips and wish you and your child all the best.

Kind regards
Dr. H.-G. Posselt

28.02.2012