Out of my mind with worry - headaches and vomiting

[enjoyingscience]

Ds9 has had headaches for months now, which we put down to a change in prescription of glasses and not drinking enough. Over the last few weeks he’s had episodes of vomiting twice, no other symptoms.

GP has given us an urgent peads referral.

the headaches seem constant rather than severe, and there’s no other neurological issues (movement and reflexes all fine).

I’ve absolutely convinced myself he has a brain tumour. I’m usually the calm and rational one, but in this case every sign seems to point to something awful.

Its probably a bit early for a hand hold, given we haven’t even seen the paediatrician yet, but my god I am terrified for my boy.

What’s the wait time for referral? Can GP not get him admitted to paeds assessment ward?

That wasn’t mentioned - should I ask for that do you think?

My DD went through something similar. She was 10 when the episodes of vomiting and migraines started so similar age as your DS. We didn't get an urgent paediatric referral only a standard one which took 9 months for an initial assessment. We ended up going private and she had lots of tests, all came back normal. She was put on an antimigraine medication and stopped vomiting after about 3 weeks. I can't tell you if.the medication worked or if it would have stopped anyway. One theory wa that growth hormones can cause this in some pre puberty.
I would ask your GP for a blood test. That should at least rule out the really horrible . stuff or at least make it less likely. Also good abdominal migraines.

Also Google

I totally understand. A couple of years ago my DS was having headaches and episodes of dizziness / loss of balance which then progressed to vomiting. I was also convinced he had a brain tumour. He was referred and had an MRI which was clear, and it seems he has migraines with a vestibular element which explains the dizziness and unsteadiness and nausea. The absence of neurological features is reassuring and it’s also reassuring if the headaches / nausea aren’t worst in the morning when they first wake up, which is apparently more concerning. But I totally get that you are terrified and that you are going to stay that way until you get him seen and fully assessed. I was when it was me, it’s easy to say there’s loads of possible causes for those symptoms, too early to worry etc but it’s very hard to stop your mind going to the worse case scenarios. But I’ll say it anyway because it’s true, it is much more likely to be something like migraines, dehydration, eye issues, a virus, or even anxiety / tension than a brain tumour. If you notice any red flag symptoms though don’t hesitate to take him to A&E and push for a scan. And if you haven’t already got carbon monoxide detectors, it would be worth getting them - kids are more sensitive and carbon monoxide poisoning fits what you have described. You could also take him to an optician for a check up, they can look for eye issues and also check the back of his eyes or take a retinal photo which can provide further information. I hope the referral
comes through quickly for you, it’s grim waiting with worries like these. Will be keeping everything crossed that it’s not anything serious.

My DD had similar around aged 11. Weirdly turned out to be a tight muscle in her head which we massaged which helped.
She was later diagnosed with migraines as well but her headaches weren't ever too bad.
Vomiting only twice doesn't seem too worrying - could be unrelated. Also good that reflexes and everything ok.
I believe with tumours the headache is often worst on waking.
I understand why you're worried but there can be many other explanations. Thinking of you.

Thank you all for sharing stories - so good to hear that there might be less ominous explanations

My kid is the very rare one where headaches and vomiting did turn out to be because of a brain tumour. We weren't sent home from the doctors with a referral to paeds on an unknown date though, but sent straight there, scanned and the results were within 15m.

If they were very concerned they'd be moving a lot quicker. That being said, it needs to be looked at and he should be scanned. Statistically it's far more likely to be a migraine or something.

Ps: if it did turn it to be a tumour, remember there are many types out there, many of which are curable. My daughter is currently being a monkey, not sleeping, rigout next to me!

OP I'd be beside myself too because I'm that way inclined. One thing I would suggest is an eye test, as that can rule out/in a few things. If you look at the Head Smart website it also recommends getting one. I got my DD one when she was suffering with headaches. I think they're free if children are under 16 & they're booked with Specsavers. They can check the back of the eyes to see if there's swelling.

Apologies, just read again & saw you mention change of prescription, however depending on when the last proper test was it could still be worth considering.

I'll probably get trolled for this but personally if the symptoms really worsened I'd be going straight to A&E.

Thanks all - @Somuchgoo that must have been truly awful, I’m so glad your Dd is doing well now.

eye test is definitely getting redone, appointment for that is booked in but I’m going to ring round and see if I can get one sooner.