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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Dizziness And Headache In Older Children?

My 16-year-old son is complaining of feeling shaky, light headed and headache. Thinking it might be low blood sugar, I told him to eat lunch at school. He had PB and J at lunch and milk for lunch but feels the same. I cannot get him to see his PCP until tomorrow. This is the third day in a row that this has happened. Wondering if he needs a trip to Urgent Care or do I treat the headache and have him eat more protein based foods until then?
Thu, 23 Feb 2023
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

There are many potential causes of dizziness and headache in older children, and it's difficult to make a specific diagnosis without a physical examination and medical history. However, some possible causes include:
* Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can cause dizziness, headache, and other symptoms. Encourage your son to drink plenty of water and other fluids.
* Low blood sugar: Low blood sugar can cause shakiness, dizziness, and headaches. Eating a balanced meal with protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
* Anemia: Anemia is a condition where the body doesn't have enough red blood cells, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, and chronic disease.
* Migraine: Migraine headaches can cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. If your son has a history of migraines, this could be a possible cause.
* Viral or bacterial infection: Infections can cause a range of symptoms, including headache, dizziness, and fatigue. If your son has other symptoms such as fever or body aches, this could be a possible cause.
* Medications: Some medications can cause side effects such as dizziness and headache. If your son is taking any medications, check the labels to see if these are listed as possible side effects.
* Anxiety or stress: Anxiety and stress can cause a range of physical symptoms, including dizziness and headache.

In terms of whether your son needs to go to Urgent Care, it's difficult to say without more information about his symptoms and medical history. If he is experiencing severe symptoms, such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathing, it may be best to seek medical attention right away.

Otherwise, if his symptoms are mild and he is otherwise feeling okay, it may be okay to wait until his appointment with his primary care physician. In the meantime, you can encourage him to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest. If he has a headache, over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may provide some relief.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Dizziness And Headache In Older Children?

Hi, There are many potential causes of dizziness and headache in older children, and it s difficult to make a specific diagnosis without a physical examination and medical history. However, some possible causes include: * Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids can cause dizziness, headache, and other symptoms. Encourage your son to drink plenty of water and other fluids. * Low blood sugar: Low blood sugar can cause shakiness, dizziness, and headaches. Eating a balanced meal with protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar levels. * Anemia: Anemia is a condition where the body doesn t have enough red blood cells, which can cause fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. Anemia can be caused by a variety of factors, including iron deficiency, vitamin deficiencies, and chronic disease. * Migraine: Migraine headaches can cause a range of symptoms, including dizziness, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. If your son has a history of migraines, this could be a possible cause. * Viral or bacterial infection: Infections can cause a range of symptoms, including headache, dizziness, and fatigue. If your son has other symptoms such as fever or body aches, this could be a possible cause. * Medications: Some medications can cause side effects such as dizziness and headache. If your son is taking any medications, check the labels to see if these are listed as possible side effects. * Anxiety or stress: Anxiety and stress can cause a range of physical symptoms, including dizziness and headache. In terms of whether your son needs to go to Urgent Care, it s difficult to say without more information about his symptoms and medical history. If he is experiencing severe symptoms, such as vomiting, loss of consciousness, or difficulty breathing, it may be best to seek medical attention right away. Otherwise, if his symptoms are mild and he is otherwise feeling okay, it may be okay to wait until his appointment with his primary care physician. In the meantime, you can encourage him to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, and get plenty of rest. If he has a headache, over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may provide some relief. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician