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Original poster

What the heck just happened and is it normal!

67 replies

Walkingandtalking · 19/03/2022 19:23

My 6 year old fell asleep on the couch this afternoon (she never normally sleeps in the day) she woke up fine but a little while later she suddenly started saying her head hurt and she was holding her screaming and crying and insisting on sitting in the dark. I managed to get some calpol in her and after about 20 minutes her headache eased and she is now lying in bed watching paw patrol. She seems a little flushed but otherwise ok at the moment since the calpol.

She has never had a headache before! And it started so suddenly! Is this normal for a childs headache? Should she be fine now? I was really worried when she was lying holding her head screaming!

OP posts:
Lennybenny · 19/03/2022 19:26

It's a migraine by the sounds of it. She may start having them randomly. If she says her eye hurts that's usually a sign. My ds suffered when he was younger. He gets them now but not as often. A 30min to an hours sleep usually sorted it out. Paracetamol and a dark room. The bad ones usually had him being sick. On the plus side, they were usually short lived.

alaksaaassdd · 19/03/2022 19:27

Headache and reacting to bright lights, I might be wrong but aren't they signs of meningitis?

Dillidalli · 19/03/2022 19:27

Keep an eye on her, check her for rashes and check her temperature.

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alaksaaassdd · 19/03/2022 19:28

www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/symptoms/

TraceyLacey · 19/03/2022 19:29

Covid test!

Original poster
Walkingandtalking · 19/03/2022 19:29

She doesnt seem to have a rash and i have done her temp just now (although she has had calpol) and its 37.2

OP posts:
BoldMove · 19/03/2022 19:45

Don't want to worry you but a rash isn't always present. Keep an eye or call 111 for advice if you're unsure. Better now than before bedtime.

SartresSoul · 19/03/2022 19:48

I’d be inclined to call 111 for advice. A severe headache and temperature are sometimes the only symptoms of meningitis, the rash comes later. Keep a close eye on her, I hope she’s ok.

Manekinek0 · 19/03/2022 19:50

It's probably a migraine. But please call 111 and get some further advise.

Unsurprised456 · 19/03/2022 19:51

Rash isn’t always present
My daughter caught BMeningitus and by the time the rash appeared it had ravished through her little body.
Luckily we were in hospital by that time.
Get checked out

Ducksurprise · 19/03/2022 19:52

I'm the least concerned when it comes to children's health, I like the wait and see approach. But headache and reaction to light I'd call 111

FannylovesDick · 19/03/2022 19:52

Please call 111.

Pumpkin314 · 19/03/2022 19:54

When my 7 year old had covid we tested after he had a headache, no other symptoms so I'd definitely test for that.

MyHusbandTheIdiot · 19/03/2022 20:02

Yes I’d agree with the COVID test sadly - has been the predominant symptom in all the class kids’ cases recently

USaYwHatNow · 19/03/2022 20:06

Oh poor girl. My hemiplegic migraines started when I hit pre puberty (migraines started at 8, periods at 10). Hopefully it's just a one off and 111 can offer some advice. If it keeps happening (after more emergency causes are ruled out) maybe a trip to the GP? I was referred for CAT and MRI scans and then later started on medication to manage them. I hope she feels better soon

user375432 · 19/03/2022 20:09

My 8 year old was like this (first ever headache) when it was Covid.

sweetbellyhigh · 19/03/2022 20:14

When they're so little and suddenly sick like that I think it's advisable to get her to a doctor.

DoobryWhatsit · 19/03/2022 20:27

Covid. My 6yo had such a bad headache she couldn't even watch TV, she literally lay in a dark room for 24 hrs.

Newuser82 · 19/03/2022 20:30

I would also ring 111 just to be safe. Hope she feels better soon

DrAddisonForbesMontgomery · 19/03/2022 20:32

My dd also had a headache with covid, but I would ring 111 for advice. When they are so small I think it's best just to be on the safe side especially with the light sensitivity. Hope they are feeling better soon Flowers

Mediocrates · 19/03/2022 20:33

I'm one to downplay kids being unwell, but with a sudden and severe headache and aversion to light I'd be straight on to 111. Please bear in mind that the rash is often the last symptom to appear in meningitis; my brother developed the rash six hours after he lost consciousness (and lived to tell the tale, but it's not a risk worth taking!)

It'll probably turned out she slept awkwardly on her neck or something, but I'd check it out with a professional anyway

MindfulMarch · 19/03/2022 20:33

I'd test her for covid & if the test is negative I'd call 111 & see how long it takes them to get to you & A&E if it's too long or you don't like their answer. It's good for getting an ambulance sent, but they can often miss things too.

Depending on logistics, I'd take her to A&E.

What I wouldn't do is assume it's a one off and wait & see. Which is what I'd do with most things.

Quartz2208 · 19/03/2022 20:34

COvid Test if you have it and contact 111 = that needs checking out.

DD had it (and vomited) and we got it checked out and they were happy to do so.

ParisNext · 19/03/2022 21:12

Headache was also my daughters main Covid symptom. I would discount migraine given that she slept when not usual and has a low fever. Test for Covid then consider worst options. You can’t be too careful with those symptoms as others have said

Cocolapew · 19/03/2022 21:34

This exact thing happened to my DD when she was little, it was viral meningitis.

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