Seeking Guidance on Neurological Concerns for My Child
This past summer, my 10-year-old daughter exhibited some unusual symptoms that continue to cause me concern. While she hasn’t experienced a recurrence of these symptoms, I’m contemplating whether getting a second opinion might be prudent. Let me elaborate on the situation: On July 10th, she had a mishap while playing on a tire swing at a friend's house and landed on her head. Initially, she was in tears, clearly expressing pain in her head. After about 15 minutes with no improvement, I encouraged her to rest on the couch. However, within half an hour, she began to feel nauseous and was worried she might vomit – a significant concern for her as she has a fear of throwing up. Concerned, I put her in the car to take her to urgent care. As we drove, she suddenly stopped responding to my questions, claiming she was extremely fatigued and unable to stay awake. At one point, she struggled to comprehend what I was saying. In a state of panic, I called for an ambulance, pulling into a nearby police station to wait for help. During this time, she seemed terrified and could only emit a distressed noise without coherent speech. I suspected she was panicking and possibly in mild shock. When the ambulance arrived, they checked her blood sugar, and she managed to shout that she didn’t want it. At the ER, she was given some ibuprofen, slept, vomited, and after a while, she returned to her usual self, making jokes and asking to go home. The doctor suggested a CT scan but felt it was unnecessary unless her condition worsened, which it didn’t, so we returned home and she quickly bounced back. On July 30th, while at the library, she experienced another episode. After sitting at a computer, she complained of tingling in her left fingers upon standing. I suggested she remain calm, theorizing it could be a pinched nerve from her position. Shortly after, however, she found me in tears, claiming her tongue and the left side of her mouth felt numb. Fearing an allergic reaction, she described a tingling sensation on the left side of her nose and struggled to speak due to the numbness. Frighteningly, she was dropping items from her left hand. Thankfully, these symptoms subsided within an hour, leaving her with a mild headache. I contacted her doctor, who recommended ibuprofen and advised that we only return if symptoms reappeared. The next day, she was seen for a rapid examination and was referred for a CT scan. The scan on August 15th returned normal results. A few weeks later, her neurologist speculated it might be an atypical migraine, but I remain doubtful. After some research, I learned that CT scans may not always capture all potential issues following a head injury, leaving me to wonder if she could have endured a transient stroke that went unnoticed. This CT scan occurred two weeks post-incident and nearly a month after her concussion, and I regret not demanding a scan during her ER visit or at the time of her numbness. With all this lingering doubt, do you think pursuing a second opinion is warranted? The distance to Boston Children’s Hospital is about an hour, but I believe they would take her concerns more seriously. Although it has been several months, the unease hasn’t diminished. Would a CT scan performed two weeks after her initial symptoms even identify problems from earlier? I’m worried I’m not doing enough to ensure her well-being, and the thought of those troubling symptoms recurring haunts me. Lastly, could her panic have resulted in one-sided numbness brought on by extreme anxiety? It seems unlikely, mainly because at her age, she wouldn’t possess enough knowledge about strokes to knowingly display such symptoms based on fear. She isn't even familiar with the concept of a stroke. Thank you for taking the time to read my concerns!
Answers (1)
3/24/2025, 1:41:21 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your concerns about your daughter's neurological symptoms following her head injury. It's understandable to feel unsettled given the significant nature of these experiences, especially considering the impact on her well-being.
Summary of Key Points
- Your daughter experienced concerning symptoms after a head injury, including nausea, confusion, fatigue, and episodes of numbness.
- CT scans returned normal results, but you are worried about potential underlying issues and the possibility of pursuing a second opinion.
- You've raised questions about whether anxiety could have caused her symptoms.
Explanation
After a concussion, especially one that involves a fall or impact to the head, symptoms such as fatigue, confusion, and even transient numbness can occur. These could be indicative of a concussion or other migraine-related episodes, which can sometimes have neurological symptoms. The CT scan conducted about two weeks later was intended to rule out serious issues such as bleeding or swelling in the brain, and while it’s a valuable tool, it may not detect all types of issues, especially those that may not have developed until later.
Your daughter's subsequent experiences of tingling and numbness are concerning and could be attributed to migraines, but it is also important to rule out other possible neurological causes. Anxiety can indeed lead to physical sensations, such as numbness or tingling, especially in children who may not fully understand their symptoms. However, given her age and the specific nature of her symptoms, it is reasonable to err on the side of caution and investigate further.
Next Steps
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Consider a Second Opinion: Given your continued concerns, seeking a second opinion—particularly from a pediatric neurologist—could provide clarity and reassurance. Specialties like Boston Children’s Hospital are experienced in dealing with these types of cases and may perform further assessments if required.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of any new or recurring symptoms, noting the context, duration, and any potential triggers (like stress or physical activity). This information will help healthcare providers assess her condition more effectively.
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Manage Anxiety: In parallel, consider discussing some coping strategies for her anxiety, especially regarding her fear of throwing up. Techniques like deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, or gentle physical activity may be helpful.
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Follow-up on Migraines: If the neurologist confirms that these episodes are related to migraines, inquire about management strategies, including potential medication or lifestyle modifications to reduce frequency and severity.
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Stay Informed: Be proactive in discussions with her medical team. If you feel uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask more questions or request additional tests if symptoms arise.
Reassurance
It's completely normal to seek more answers when it comes to the health of a child, especially under such circumstances. Your vigilance is a critical part of ensuring her health and well-being. You're taking the right steps by considering expert opinions and actively monitoring her symptoms. Please continue to prioritize her experience and feelings throughout this process. If you have any further questions or need support, feel free to reach out.
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