5-Year-Old Struck by Swing: Headache Develops Hours Later
Yesterday at approximately 1:30 PM, my 5-year-old daughter suffered a blow to the eye from a swing. The school nurse examined her immediately and reassured us that she appeared to be fine. Upon returning home, she resumed her usual activities, enjoyed her meals, and everything seemed normal until about 6 PM when she complained of a headache. I administered some Tylenol, along with water and a snack, which seemed to alleviate her discomfort, and she went to bed at 8 PM without any issues. However, she woke up around 1 AM needing to use the bathroom, at which point she expressed that her head was hurting and she felt nauseous. Additionally, she has developed a slight fever and mentioned a sore throat. After giving her more Tylenol, I settled her back into bed with me to monitor her. She has been experiencing a sore throat for a few days, which we initially attributed to seasonal allergies, so I am uncertain whether the headache, nausea, and fever are indicative of an illness due to germs from kindergarten or if they are a consequence of the impact from the swing. Notably, there is no visible bruising, and her overall behavior remains unchanged, with the nurse having previously indicated she was healthy. Given her fever, I will certainly keep her home from school tomorrow. However, I am left wondering whether I should be concerned about a more serious situation or if this is merely a coincidental cold with peculiar timing.
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 8:41:09 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your daughter's symptoms following her recent injury are understandably concerning, but it's good that you've been monitoring her closely. Given that she has developed a headache, nausea, and fever after being struck by the swing, it's important to consider both her injury and possible viral illness.
Main Points:
- Monitor Symptoms Continuously: Keep an eye on her symptoms, especially the headache, nausea, and fever.
- Seek Medical Attention if Needed: Be aware of specific warning signs that would necessitate immediate medical evaluation.
Explanation:
While the hospital nurse reassured you initially after the swing injury, the subsequent headache, nausea, and fever could indicate one of two pathways:
- Post-Concussion Symptoms: In some cases, a blow to the head can lead to headaches, and it’s crucial to monitor her for other concussion symptoms (confusion, excessive drowsiness, difficulty waking up).
- Viral Illness: Given her sore throat and fever, it is possible she might have contracted a common cold or another viral infection, which can sometimes coincide with other symptoms like headache or nausea.
Next Steps:
-
Symptom Monitoring:
- Check for Worsening Signs: Monitor for worsening headache, persistent nausea, confusion, difficulty waking her, or any other unusual behavior.
- Observe Fever Trends: Keep track of her temperature; if it rises above 100.4°F (38°C) consistently or lasts more than a couple of days, this is important to note.
-
Manage Her Comfort:
- Continue to give her Tylenol (as directed on the package for her age) to manage fever and pain.
- Ensure she stays hydrated with water or clear fluids.
- Offer soft foods if her sore throat is causing discomfort during eating.
-
Nighttime Monitoring:
- Check on her periodically through the night to ensure she is comfortable and responsive.
-
When to Seek Help:
- If she experiences severe headaches that worsen, vomiting, confusion, excessive drowsiness that is unusual for her, difficulty waking, or any persistent symptoms that seem alarming, it’s important to seek medical evaluation promptly.
- If her fever persists beyond a couple of days without improvement or if she seems particularly unwell, consider consulting a healthcare provider.
Conclusion:
While the overlap in timing of her symptoms may seem coincidental, it’s essential to remain vigilant. Keep her home from school, as you planned, and focus on her comfort and monitoring. You’re doing well by paying close attention, and trusting your instincts as a parent is key. Let me know if you need further assistance or have specific questions!
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