Toddler suddenly can't walk - ear infection?

[TaurielTest]

My 20 mo very mobile DS seems to have some sort of virus (runny nose, slight fever) but today he can't walk - stands up, wobbles, falls over, and then cries to be carried. Most unlike him, he usually runs up and down the place.
I'm thinking ear infection/vertigo? Is there anything else I should consider? Anything I can do for him before taking him to the GP in the morning? (Might try ibuprofen if he seems to need it.)
Poor thing, he's finding it very puzzling.

[Frizbe]

Ring NHS direct and get them to diagnose.

[brimfull]

I would ring out of hours doctor
may be joint infection

fever?

[waitingforbedtime]

Definitely don't wait until tomorrow, get him seen today.

[lemsiprocks]

I agree,please get him seen today.The most likely cause is an irritable hip which is caused by a viral infection,but he needs to have a hip infection excluded.

[TaurielTest]

Thanks, will call out-of-hours GP.

[13lucky]

Hi, I've got two friends whose children this has happened to...and in both cases, it was a viral infection that affected the hip which is apparently quite common. But do get it checked out in case it isn't this and something else. Hope he's ok.

[aanya]

hello...my son is 12 yrs old and cant walk!he is absolutely fit! but doctors say he has some cerebellum problem and dont have hopes on his recovery! pls interprt this!

[Quincymarket]

Here is my experience. Although there might be many reasons for a toddler to suddenly not being able to walk, I had the worst reason. Big hospital's ER room send us back home as usual. Please go to a hospital with pediatric ER room. Also do ask for a blood test. High amount of white blood cells was what we got. Next day, my child started difficulty in moving, talking, and next day almost totally paralyzed. $90K later, he was completely cured with a $3 steroid. My child's immune system attacked own brain. Problem started suddenly not being able to walk. And 3 weeks later problem went away with a similar speed after taking the steroid. In general, many viral cases cause walking problems but we had a very rare case and this is why I am taking the time to share. The take away is, ER room with pediatric department, and blood work.