Please or to access all these features

Children's health

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Would you book a GP appointment for this, or am I overthinking it?

7 replies

BetweenTheThoughts · 30/07/2026 22:28

My nine-year-old has been complaining of headaches after school for the past few weeks. At first, I thought it was tiredness, dehydration, or too much screen time, but it is happening more often now.
Yesterday, he came home unusually quiet and asked to lie down in a dark room because the light was bothering him. He felt better after resting, and he did not have a temperature or feel sick.
His teacher has also noticed him rubbing his eyes and struggling to concentrate towards the end of the day. I have booked an eye test, but I am wondering whether I should also contact the GP rather than wait.
Has anyone dealt with something similar? Would you speak to the GP now or see what the optician says first?

OP posts:
WhatAMarvelousTune · 30/07/2026 22:30

Is he now off school for summer?

I’d wait to see the optician

Lifelover16 · 30/07/2026 22:33

I’d wait to see the optician, who can refer you to ophthalmology department if necessary, or rule out any ocular/visual disorders.
GP would refer you to optician anyway.

canuckup · 15/08/2026 22:23

I'd see the optician and watch closely

mondaytosunday · 15/08/2026 22:30

Might be migraines.

Nousernameideaaga · 15/08/2026 22:33

Optician and GP

My lifelong migraines started just like this at that age and my parents did nothing about it . I suffered unnecessarily for years and have only really got on top of them in the last five years .

Get him checked out OP. Migraines are awful. So so so much worse than headaches

DarkLion · 15/08/2026 22:34

I’d see opticians first and see what they say as that’s what the gp will most likely ask alongside hydration levels, any stress, eye strain, screen time ☺️

AtlasCedar · 15/08/2026 22:51

If it a migraine the GP will do F all. Try the Migraine Clinic if it is.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread