Severe debilitating headaches w/ nausea started 2 years ago, maybe once a week then, now eveyday. Recently presented with an itchy rash - small red pimples appear in a certain area, could be anywhere - then disappear and start up in another area. Also recently developed a small, hard, lump on right side of neck - doesn't feel like a swollen gland or lymph node. Swollen red balls of feet and achy wrist joints also appeared just a few days ago. This is like an episode of House or Mystery Diagnosis!
Hello JC, She must be seen by a pediatrician for any semblance of diagnosis. Tests for rheumatic factor, CRP, uric acid, absolute eosinophil count etc. are necessary (among a host of other possibilities). A pediatric surgeon may also need to see her for neck swelling.
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Hello, What evaluations have been done so far to look for cause of headaches and now joint issues/rash? Thanks,
Assessed by PCP (family practice)...standard blood tests, also for Hodgkins - everything normal, white count normal. Referral to neurologist for January 2011.
Last Friday at the ER, they ran the same blood tests as her family doctor did plus they wanted to check for inflammatory markers, etc. and everything came back normal. She saw her family doctor today and he thinks it might be a systemic viral syndrome that can sort of move around and affect different areas of the body at different times. He said let her sleep when she wants, lots of fluids and look for new symrtoms. Her mom is going to modify Jazz's diet the way she did her own - no gluten, no processed flour/food, less sugar, more natural/organic food, etc. By the way, she's gone from 60 to 52 pounds, has dark circles under the eyes and is always tired - and look it. Does any of this additional information narrow it down?
Not really. Agree with her doctor's plan.
Hello, If neck swelling is still there, it should be excised and biopsied OR (equally good) a fine needle aspiration from lump taken and seen by a pathologist for accurate diagnosis.