7yo vomiting/headaches

    
      Re: 7yo vomiting/headaches
    


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Posted by CCF Neurosurgery MD on October 15, 1997 at 12:35:34:

In Reply to: 7yo vomiting/headaches posted by Sheri Allenwykes on October 14, 1997 at 22:06:09:

: Since my son was about 1 year old, he has had episodes where he will vomit all night.
  Before the age of 4, he would have these periods about once every one or two months.
  As he's gotten older, they have become less frequent, but occur for longer periods of
  time. Instead of one night, now he will go a few months and then vomit two nights in
  a row. They start about 12:00 to 2:00 AM and go all night until about 8. For the day
  he is fine. I tried to keep him upright, but this did not help. Now he is starting to
  have bad headaches an hour or so before these vomiting episodes. He had reflux as an
  infant, has tics and has been diagnosed with ADHD. After discussing this with his
  doctor over the years, the doctor now wants to schedule a CAT scan. Has anyone else
  experienced this problem, should I be worried?
  Thanks for any help or advise you can offer.
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Dear Sheri,
You are describing symptoms in your son that are consistent with hydrocephalus.
The brain produces spinal fluid that travels in spaces within the brain called
ventricles.  When too much is produced or, more commonly, when the flow of
spinal fluid is blocked, the spinal fluid backs up and the ventricles enlarge.
This is called hydrocephalus or 'water on the brain' in layman's terms.
This causes headaches, nausea, vomiting and lethargy and if severe can be
fatal. There are many things in children that can cause hydrocephalus.
Hydrocephalus is treatable and further care would focus on the specific
cause.  
Your son needs to have a CT scan done soon.  A visit to a neurologist may
be reasonable as well. If your son indeed has hydrocephalus it can be taken
care of by a neurosurgeon.  There are a few other things that could cause
your son's troubles but they are not as acute an issue as hydrocephalus.  
This reply shouldn't cause undue alarm, but the history you give is of concern.
The prudent thing to do would be to get the CT scan soon to avoid a situation
that may be dangerous to your son.
Good luck.