OpenHealth Q&A

Advice Needed for My Toddler's Unexplained Pain

**Background** I have a 2.5-year-old son who is generally healthy, without any known chronic illnesses or symptoms related to cold, flu, or respiratory issues. Lately, he has been experiencing discomfort, specifically complaining about pain on the left side of his head, including his head, eye, cheek, and occasionally his teeth. He often squints with his left eye and has been waking up during the night due to this pain. These symptoms started around three weeks ago. Since then, we've sought care from various specialists: an eye doctor at a children's hospital, a dentist, and our primary care physician. Both the eye doctor and dentist found nothing concerning, clearing him completely. His primary care doctor conducted standard examinations, checking his eyes, ears, throat, heart, and lungs, all yielding normal results. In light of these evaluations, he was prescribed a precautionary round of antibiotics and referred for a head MRI, both with and without contrast, scheduled for the following week. **Current Concern** The hospital could only schedule the MRI for the afternoon of the 18th, meaning results won't be available until the doctor reviews them on the 19th. As of today, I am emotionally drained and extremely worried. This past weekend was particularly challenging; my son struggles to sleep at night due to discomfort, even though he plays and eats normally during the day. However, he has painful episodes that leave him lying on the couch with a washcloth resting on his forehead. It pains me to see him suffer. While he has been taking acetaminophen and ibuprofen, they no longer seem to alleviate his discomfort as effectively as before. The thought of waiting four more days and three more nights feels overwhelming. This morning, I contacted his primary care provider to voice my concerns, but the doctor was unavailable. The nurse basically indicated that we must wait for the MRI results before any new steps can be taken. I am hesitant to take him to the emergency room because I fear the long hour-plus drive could agitate him further, only to receive the same advice: administering Tylenol and suggesting we wait for the scheduled MRI. Now, I find myself seeking any advice or professional insights regarding our situation. **I recognize that this forum cannot provide actual medical recommendations.** I've endeavored to pursue every possible option, but I'm feeling lost on how to assist my son effectively. As a medical professional, do you believe there’s a significant likelihood that the emergency room could provide much-needed help, or is it wiser to remain patient and manage his situation at home? **I understand entirely that the ultimate decision rests with me and that responses from this Reddit community should not replace professional medical counsel.** I’m simply hopeful that someone might share their perspective or experience regarding similar situations.

Answers (1)

2/16/2026, 4:40:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm really sorry to hear about the distress you're facing with your son's condition; it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed in this situation. Your child's symptoms and their persistence certainly warrant concern, and it's natural to want swift relief for him.

Main Points:

1. Persistent pain in a toddler that continues despite interventions can be worrying.
2. The upcoming MRI will be helpful in ruling out any serious conditions, though waiting can be hard.
3. There are some immediate steps you can consider to manage discomfort until the MRI results are available.

Explanation:

Your son’s reported pain on the left side of his head, eye, and cheek, along with squinting and sleep disturbances over the past few weeks, are concerning. Given that he has already been evaluated by multiple specialists who found no immediate issues and prescribed medications, the MRI will hopefully provide clarity. It is encouraging that he seems to engage in normal activities during the day, but the night-time discomfort you described indicates that he is experiencing significant distress.

Prioritized Next Steps:

1. Symptom Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your son’s symptoms. Document when the pain occurs, its duration, any associated symptoms (like changes in vision or behavior), and the effectiveness of pain relief measures. This can help healthcare providers in future evaluations.

2. Comfort Measures: In the interim, you may continue using acetaminophen or ibuprofen, being mindful not to exceed the recommended doses for his age and weight. Consider applying a cool washcloth or an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the side of his head where he feels pain; this can sometimes provide relief.

3. Distraction Techniques: Engage him in quiet activities that divert his attention from the pain, such as reading together or watching gentle, calming shows. This might help ease some discomfort during painful episodes.

4. Emergency Room Consideration: If your son displays any new symptoms, such as a sudden increase in pain, high fever, vomiting, or unusual behavior, it would be prudent to seek immediate medical care, even if it may be challenging to travel. However, if the symptoms remain consistent and manageable, it may be reasonable to wait for the MRI.

5. Stay in Communication: If you continue to feel uneasy, consider reaching out to your primary care provider's office again to express your ongoing concerns. Even if the doctor is unavailable, the staff may be able to provide support or recommend additional steps.

While waiting for answers can be incredibly tough, know that you are doing everything you can to help your son. Please remember that it’s okay to reach out for support, whether that’s speaking with healthcare providers or leaning on family and friends during this challenging time. Let me know if you need more specific tips or any additional information.