Headache in newborns

Headache in newborns: Is it possible?

Diagnosing a headache in a newborn is practically impossible. The baby cannot complain, and nonspecific signs such as crying or irritability can be caused by dozens of other reasons. Therefore, physicians do not use the term "headache" for children of this age, but rather look for an underlying pathology that could cause discomfort in the head region.

What can cause head pain in a newborn?

There are several conditions that could theoretically cause painful sensations in the head:

• Birth trauma: Passage through the birth canal is a significant load on the infant’s head. Use of a vacuum extractor or forceps can lead to the formation of hematomas (cephalohematoma) or soft‑tissue swelling (birth tumor), which may be painful in the first days.
• Neck muscle tension: Improper positioning in the womb or during delivery can cause tension of the neck muscles, leading to discomfort that the baby perceives as pain in the head or neck.
• Increased intracranial pressure: In rare cases associated with hydrocephalus, hemorrhages, or infections, elevated pressure inside the skull causes severe pain. This is a serious condition accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as bulging fontanelle, vomiting, seizures.
• Meningitis: Inflammation of the brain membranes always accompanies severe headache and high fever.

If the baby constantly cries when you touch its head, or there are other concerning neurological symptoms, this warrants immediate medical attention. For general mechanisms, read the article "Headache".