Should I Be Worried?
My son, aged 3.5 years, is currently not taking any medications or supplements. For the past couple of months, I've noticed intermittent twitching in various parts of his body, primarily affecting his left eye, eyebrows, and toes. This twitching appears to be sporadic and seems involuntary to me. I've sought medical advice on this matter, visiting the hospital on the day the twitching began and consulting with our GP three additional times. Each time, I've been reassured not to be overly concerned, as the doctors believe it is likely a form of stimming and not under his control. He was delivered at 38 weeks and is experiencing developmental delays, for which we are currently awaiting an autism assessment. Additionally, he has been diagnosed with poor muscle tone. Early in life, he suffered two urinary tract infections within his first four months and was subsequently diagnosed with grade 4 vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). It was also noted that his right kidney is very small and has a duplex structure. This past Friday, he underwent a blood test, and I received the results the following day. Some of the flagged issues noted in the test include: - RBC morphology showing elliptocytes and acanthocytes - WBC morphology indicating reactive lymphocytes - High B12 level at 776 pmol/L - High folate level exceeding 45.3 nmol/L - High anion gap of 17 mmol/L - Low ALT at 14 U/L The results recommend clinical correlation and a follow-up full blood count (FBC). Comparing to his previous blood test at the end of January, in which no significant issues were detected apart from a B12 level of 612 pmol/L, it’s puzzling since he's never taken a B12 supplement and his diet lacks substantial B12 as well. This morning, I reached out to my doctor's office and left a message first thing, but I haven’t received a response yet, and as of 6:30 PM, my anxiety about the situation continues to rise.
Answers (1)
3/31/2025, 7:50:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re going through a challenging time with your son’s health, and it's perfectly normal to feel anxious given the various concerns. Based on what you've shared, there are a few key points to focus on regarding the twitching and recent blood test results.
Key Points
- Twitching: The intermittent twitching you’ve observed could be a form of involuntary movement, possibly related to developmental factors or sensory processing differences.
- Blood Test Results: The flagged blood test results require careful interpretation and follow-up to understand their implications, especially since some levels are elevated without prior supplementation.
Explanation
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Twitching: In children, especially those with developmental delays, twitching can sometimes occur and may not necessarily indicate a serious issue. It could relate to sensory processing, stress, or even harmless nervous habits. It's good that you’ve sought medical opinions and received reassurance.
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Blood Test Concerns: The high levels of B12 and folate can be perplexing if he’s not taking supplements or has a diet that lacks significant amounts. It’s important to discuss these results with your healthcare provider, as elevated levels can sometimes indicate underlying health issues. The presence of reactive lymphocytes and abnormal red blood cell morphology may signal a need for further investigation.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of the twitching — note when it occurs, its duration, and any potential triggers. This will provide valuable information for healthcare visits.
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Follow Up with Doctor: Since you've already reached out to your doctor's office, give it a little time for them to respond, but feel free to follow up tomorrow if you haven't heard back. Ask them about the next steps regarding the blood test results and any potential needs for further evaluation.
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Stay Informed: Learn more about both B12 and folate on platforms like the CDC or WHO. Understanding how these nutrients impact health could help ease some concerns.
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Manage Anxiety: Consider strategies to help manage your anxiety while waiting for more information, such as short walks, deep breathing exercises, or talking to someone supportive like a friend or family member.
It’s completely understandable to feel uncertain, but staying proactive about monitoring and communication with healthcare professionals is essential. If any new symptoms arise or if the twitching worsens, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor immediately. You're doing a great job by advocating for your son’s health!
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