My son's face has become a little off, what do you think? Not sure what to do.

[MummyMaisy]

Hi, I wasn't sure if I should post this, especially with photos (I'm a bit funny about things like that) but I need to know if I'm overreacting. My oldest son is 11. He has been having a few vision problems, nothing bad, but sometimes says that his eye feels 'cloudy' but that can come and go. His GP said that we should take him to get his eyes tested. The optician said that there was nothing wrong with his eyes (but the cloudiness wasn't there at the exam, so it was hard to judge, IMO) and that it's nothing to worry about, regarding his eye sight. However, the GP said it wasn't anything medical, either, so I figured it would be best to just leave this. I know this may not be relevant, but I think it could be.

We are currently on a trip away, for an award ceremony, for DH (yes, they have been agreed time off, in case anyone moans about that!) so I'm not sure what to do, which is why I'm posting here... I don't know if it can wait or not. We are 3 hours away from his regular GP... His face seemed a bit off, when he woke up, you see how his smile is half up, but half down? It's never normally like that, and he has had the 'cloudy eye' this morning, but that has gone away now. Does anyone know if this is concerning?

Thank you for the replies. Sorry, I was looking at the closest walk in centres. However, after reading up on them, they tend to refer back to your GP, or tell you to go to A+E? I was looking at Bell's Palsy, but he can move his eyebrows, and his eyelids close. It's literally just the bottom quarter of his face, and the cloudy eye problem.

Get it checked by a neuro specialist,

A&E asap - best case scenario is a long wait; best to be there just in case. They won't mind seeing him just to rule out anything worrying.

I would take him to a and e then. I think you have enough symptoms to justify that and if there is something going on your (gorgeous by the way) boy needs attention sooner rather than later.

Can he stick his tongue out straight? I think that's another stroke test.

I'm afraid I'd be going for a and e if the lopsided smile isn't usual for him.

I had Bell's palsy and it looks like that to me too. The quicker they can treat you makes a difference to outcome (steroids, in my day). I'd get home seen to asap if you can

If it's any comfort I made a full recovery like the majority so if it's Bell's palsy don't despair

Handsome lad

I banged my head a few years ago not very hard either and I some of the "jelly" from the back of my eye came away and gave me clouded vision with a floating black dot which is visible against brighter/light backgrounds. It could be something similar ??

I also took a brief spell of neuralgia which gave me a bit of a drooped face and rather unexplained... It just kind of went away.

As Mum tho you shouldn't doubt your instincts and keep asking to see someone until you're satisfied with the outcome.
Mum always knows best. X

Quite possibly Bell's palsy (Lyme disease is a cause of this in children) but if he can raise his eyebrows and get forehead wrinkles then you'd need to consider a few other causes as it suggests a "higher up" cause than the facial nerve alone.

Either way, A&E IMHO (GP).

I would definitely suggest A&E. Assumed you would have gone by now tbh.

I hope you get seen quickly.

Well, it's a bit difficult to go to A+E as I have 2 other children, so it's a bit hard when DH is at a uniform fitting, as where do the other children go? I will wait until he comes back. The thing is, he is okay. He isn't in any pain, as the cloudiness isn't there. His face is still the same, but doesn't seem to be any worse. We will probably go when DH is back to the hotel.

When I presented at the GP with my baby with an asymmetrical smile we were rushed to a+e.

6 months on we have ruled out major issues and bells. But I won't beat about the bush, this needs checking

I would just take the other children? Bit of a pain I know but husband could just meet you there and take the kids back with him. Not great but a and e will probably have toys and TV to entertain them.

My daughter. Lower part of her face only affected.

Definitely take him to A&E. Better to be safe than sorry

Another vote for a&e here, don't wait for too long.

I would take any child or adult who showed these symptoms to A and E

children's A&E normally has ok waiting times and plenty to divert dcs, as a pp has said

If you're worried, pack them a bag of snacks and books each and go. I've had to do it and it's not that bad.

Has he been anywhere he may have encountered a tick? As a pp said Lyme disease can present as bells palsy in children. So long grass frequented by deer. Hot spots in Scottish highlands and other rural areas of the UK. If so, mention it even if you never saw a tick or a bite.

My DS had a Bell's palsy at age 4. We wort to GP who sent him straight to paeds ward for proper checks to rule out a stroke. His first symptom was just his eye didn't blink properly. His face froze but never drooped.

Agree, a good test is being able to puff out cheeks properly without letting any air out. Hope you are ok and seeing a doc

Has he had chicken pox recently

Hope he is ok

Hope you made it to A&E and hope
all is well

He is very handsome! Please get him checked asap.