Alternative medicine

Although they haven't been well studied, a number of dietary supplements have been suggested to help children's headaches, including:

• Riboflavin
• Magnesium
• Coenzyme Q10
• Vitamin D

Check with your child's doctor before trying any herbal products or dietary supplements to be sure they won't interact with your child's medicine or have harmful side effects.

Several alternative treatments may also be helpful for headaches in children, including:

• Acupuncture. Acupuncture practitioners use extremely thin, disposable needles that generally cause little pain or discomfort. Some research has suggested that this treatment may help relieve headache symptoms.
• Massage. Massage can help reduce stress and relieve tension, and may help ease headaches.