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.

Ring NHS direct and get them to diagnose.

I would ring out of hours doctor
may be joint infection

fever?

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

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.

Thanks, will call out-of-hours GP.

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.

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!

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.