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Discussion

Somthing going on with my son...

Alright, first off I know nobody on here is allowed to give out medical advice, and I understand that - it's not what I'm looking for. If a Staff Member still finds this inappropriate feel free to delete it.

Over the weekend we let my 10 year old indulge himself in way too long a play period with his video games. He started complaining of neck pain on Sunday.

Monday morning we noticed every so often he would roll his eyes up and to the right involuntarily.

Yesterday it was severe, happening every 5 or 10 minutes. He says they "itch" when he rolls them.

Anyway, I am not wondering what is wrong - I know it's out of everyone's scope to diagnose something like this.

What I do want to know is if I should be taking him straight to an Optomotrist first or a Physician. We do not have insurance. So it's important that - as alarming as this is - we be as frugal as we can when trying to get him to the right specialist.

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    • Featured Replies

    sigh, i would be inclined towards neuro, but that prob would require a referral. good luck

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    I'd go see the doc first.

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    I am a pediatric RN and would suggest taking him to his pediatrician. Even though you *may* need a neurologist referral, you may need another type of referral. Specialists cost a lot more, if you accidently go to the wrong one then you are out more $$ than if you just go to his pediatrician in the first place! Good luck!

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    I agree, take him to his pediatrician.

    Best of luck!

    Tait

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    Not to alarm you, but video games can trigger seizures. I think you should start with his regular doctor. An optometrist won't want to do anything.

    I don't know what state you live in, but your son likely qualifies for free , state-subsidized health insurance. That might be an option to explore for near future.

    Good luck.

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    • Author

    My aunt is an NP and we've gone over all the things it could be - from simple eye strain to neurological problems.

    Appointment has been made to see his pediatrician on Friday - we live in California.

    The only problem is the doctor's over at the clinics are so overwhelmed that - in general - they barely take a glance at him before leaving the room and writing up a prescription.

    Ugh, the worry kids can bring!

    Thanks for the replies.

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    • Guides

    Agree it's best to start with his pcp and work outward with specialist referrals. Best wishes to you and the little dude. :up:

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    • Author

    Got him back from an optometrist today (stubborn Grandma) who said everything checked out fine and to monitor it, if it continues for a few weeks get him into pediatrics. Claims he sees things like this in children a lot and they usually go away as fast as they started.

    I'm not going to wait - we're taking him to peds tomorrow.

    Thanks for the advice anyone, and sorry to the Staff for tip toeing along the lines of what is acceptable in the TOS. This thread helped me out a lot in reaffirming my decisions, though. :)

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    • Experts

    I don't trust the optometrist's opinion, based on an experience I had once with an optometrist.

    Do go to the pediatrician. And sort of block the door so the doctor or PA or NP can't leave until you are ready to let him or her leave, you know, like after all your questions and concerns are addressed.

    And if you see a PA or NP, courteously ask their kind indulgence to have the physician also see him. Many times, the NP's are much more thorough and take more time with you than the doctors, but sometimes it's also more reassuring to have another pair of eyes see the patient, too, and that would be 2 evaluations at the price of 1.

    Why is your son not on MediCal? Get it implemented immediately. If you go to a county clinic, they should be able to help you at once with it.

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    Awww....hope everything is good. Yep, kids can be lots of fun. The e.d. staff knew us by our first names...concussions, sprains, fractures (both wrists @ same time), stitches.....and my oldest was in the hospital over the summer because of mono, of all things!

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    • Author
    I don't trust the optometrist's opinion, based on an experience I had once with an optometrist.

    Do go to the pediatrician. And sort of block the door so the doctor or PA or NP can't leave until you are ready to let him or her leave, you know, like after all your questions and concerns are addressed.

    And if you see a PA or NP, courteously ask their kind indulgence to have the physician also see him. Many times, the NP's are much more thorough and take more time with you than the doctors, but sometimes it's also more reassuring to have another pair of eyes see the patient, too, and that would be 2 evaluations at the price of 1.

    Why is your son not on MediCal? Get it implemented immediately. If you go to a county clinic, they should be able to help you at once with it.

    He is on MediCal - we've just had HORRIBLE experiences with the physicians there. We're taking him to a MediCAL physician tomorrow, and I'm going personally since I have a small medical background - hopefully I can talk some sense into them.

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    • Experts
    I'd go see the doc first.

    They're both doctors, just have different titles and preparation. Which one are you recommending?

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