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

Children's health

DS3 aged 2½ complaining of headache - what to do?

30 replies

AFingerofFudge · 09/06/2011 19:29

DS3 who is exactly 2½ today has been under the weather for a couple of weeks really - he's had a rash around his bottom, on and off temperatures, just not right. Then a few days ago he developed what I thought was constipation, although now I think that it's more that it is hurts to poo (sorry if tmi) rather than the poo itself as it's as normally sloppy as DS3's tend to be. So he's had a couple of swabs done at the doctors this afternoon for possible perianal streptoccoccal dermatitis.

Anyhow, this may be unrelated but, on tuesday he ran a temperature all day, yesterday he was fine, and today he was fine until he woke up from his afternoon nap and was screaming and clutching his head and saying "sore head". Well he didn't stop crying until we got into the doctors for the swabs to be done just before 5. I mentioned the temperature headache thing and she checked him over and said that it just seemed to be a virus and not to worry.

When we got home he sat on the sofa quietly crying and looking forlorn. Then around an hour ago he started really crying again, was sick, and then sat clutching his head and saying "sore head" and "bed".
So we put him in bed and he has fallen asleep immediately, but i'm in a quandry over what to do. I've never had a child complain so young of a headache, and I'm just a bit worried although at the same time don't want to over-react.
Any thoughts please??

OP posts:

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AFingerofFudge · 09/06/2011 20:13

anyone??

OP posts:

bubbleymummy · 09/06/2011 21:05

The headache and vomiting would worry me. I would be taking him to be seen somewhere.

AFingerofFudge · 09/06/2011 21:16

Thanks for replying. He has briefly made a re-appearance from his bed, had some warm milk, and returned to bed and his now asleep. Am intending to keep a close eye on him during the night.

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MollieO · 09/06/2011 21:19

I would be calling the OOH GP if he were mine.

DoodleAlley · 09/06/2011 21:22

Id be calling ooh GP too.

moosemama · 09/06/2011 21:29

Vomiting and a headache would worry me, I'm afraid I would want a second opinion.

I know you said he's sleeping now, but in your position I would call the out of hours GP for advice.

Poor little guy, I hope he's better soon.

AFingerofFudge · 09/06/2011 21:29

I'm thinking the same thing now also but don't want to be making a mountain out of a molehill. I hope they won't think I'm over reacting, especially as he has had his milk since.

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winnybella · 09/06/2011 21:31

I would be calling a doctor for advice, or, if I was really worried, going to A&E.

winnybella · 09/06/2011 21:33

You're not overeacting at all. Headache is not very common in young children and that coupled with vomiting are symptoms of meningitis. Better to get him checked out just in case.

suwoo · 09/06/2011 21:34

I am the least panicky/stressy parent going but even I would be going to a&e with the symptoms you describe.

ShowOfHands · 09/06/2011 21:35

I would absolutely get him checked out.

It could be nothing. DD's just getting over a middle ear infection and it presented with a headache and vomiting. I was very concerned but they said that the fever was causing the headache. Sure enough, once it was brought down and antibiotics given, the headache disappeared.

So yes, it can be nothing too worrying but you must get it checked.

Bohica · 09/06/2011 21:36

Has he kept the milk down? What pain relief did you give him & how long ago was that?

It may well be a virus, his head can't be hurting now if he is sleeping & keeping fluids down is a good sign.

AFingerofFudge · 09/06/2011 21:43

he was only sick the once, at around 6.30pm . He had the milk around 8.15pm and has been asleep since. He didn't complain about his head when he was being put to bed the second time.

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moosemama · 09/06/2011 21:47

Could you call OOH just to ask their advice just to be on the safe side? With our service, a nurse talks it all through with you and only arranges for you to come in if they feel there's cause for concern or it can't wait until the surgery opens in the morning.

Bohica · 09/06/2011 21:49

I'd be inclined to monitor him tonight at home & see how he is in the morning. Can he sleep with you or you on his bedroom floor?

And before I get jumped on for not taking the headache & sickness seriously, He hasn't been sick for 3 hours, he is sleeping & I don't think neing dragged to A&E/OOH at this time of night would be in his best interest.

Make sure you check that you can wake him gently every few/he shrugs you off/stirs.

I hope he feels much better after a good nights sleep.

SouthGoingZax · 09/06/2011 21:52

Does he still have a temperature?

I would also be overcautious with the fear of meningitis. A child I knew well died from it.

herbietea · 09/06/2011 22:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

MrsBradleyCooper · 09/06/2011 22:18

I don't think it will do any harm to call the ooh docs and get some advice.

IME they are good because you can actually speak to a GP (as opposed to NHS Direct).

I know how worrying it can be - my DS is same age and I would be worried too if I were in your situation.

I'm sure he'll be fine though - hope he feels better soon.

dikkertjedap · 09/06/2011 22:36

Maybe there is a doctor on here who could confirm that I describe it right. When dd had suspected meningitis, the A&E paediatrician asked her to lay flat on her back, she then picked up one leg and held it first high in the air and then made it bend at the knee, she repeated it with the other leg. She said that it stretches the spinal cord and if they have meningitis they would be in agony. So, even if your ds is asleep you will be able to do this but maybe there is a doctor who can confirm that this is sufficient to exclude meningitis?

Bohica · 09/06/2011 22:50

Dikker the op has already seen a doctor today & the doctor has checked her son out face to face.

Diagnosis over the telephone/on the internet is not completly reliable & one leg roll isn't conclusive either.

The op is now hopefully in bed with her son by her side getting some sleep.

Mothers instinct in the first instance is normally the best advice to be given.

AFingerofFudge · 09/06/2011 22:50

Thanks all for your replies, sorry I disappeared. Ds3 had woken up crying but when I went into him he settled again, and best of all, he didn't have a temperature so hopefully he is improving.
However I did do as moosemama suggested and phoned the OOH just for some advice and they have told me to monitor his temperature etc and get back to them if he seems to get any worse.

So here's to improved health, and a good night's sleep as I'm doing a nightshift tomorrow night.
thanks again x

OP posts:

Bohica · 09/06/2011 22:57

Glad to hear it. Get some rest & I hope he feels much better by the morning. I'm off to bed know as I am on a day shift

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moosemama · 10/06/2011 10:25

How's he doing this morning?

AFingerofFudge · 10/06/2011 11:38

hiya moosemama he has improved a lot. He did have quite an unsettled night although at no point I felt he was getting worse. He wasn't sick, and his temperature stayed down.
This morning he has complained again of a headache and needed calpol for his temperature, but is a lot brighter and not distressed at all, so am hopeful it will pass quickly. Thanks for everyone's concern.

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moosemama · 10/06/2011 12:08

Good to hear he is brighter this morning.

Hope he's better really soon.

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