LymeNet Flash: Need help interpreting daughter's symptom

This is topic Need help interpreting daughter's symptom in forum Medical Questions at LymeNet Flash.

To visit this topic, use this URL:
https://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php/topic/1/31575

Posted by PacificMama (Member # 6821) on :

We are in the queue for a consult with Dr. J regarding my three-year-old daughter. She has been on antibiotics for 10 days now.

I am trying to figure out whether a new behavior of hers is a possible lyme symptom.

For the past several days she has been tugging and rubbing one of her ears, just above the lobe. Today she has started jerking her head to her shoulder. It looked like an involuntary jerk, but she said her ear hurt. It seems like she is controlling it, but that it is some response to the pain. It happens several times per minute.

She has never had an ear infection, and I have no reason to think that she has one now.

Is this possibly some sort of lyme symptom?

Thanks.

Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :

Just above the lobe? On her head?? Sounds like pain of some sort. I would suspect the ears myself.

Welcome to Lymenet! We'll be glad to help if we can!

------------------
oops!
Lymetutu

Posted by James H (Member # 6380) on :

Think the obvious and easy to check...FIRST.

It is cold and flu season.

Somebody needs to look in her ear with an otoscope and see if she has an ear infection.

[This message has been edited by James H (edited 13 February 2005).]

Posted by Lishs mom (Member # 2344) on :

PacificMamma, I would definately take her to the doctor to be sure you don't have an ear infection going on.

If you dont, a herxheimer is a possibility.

Since there are many types of antibiotics can you be more specific about which ones shes on?

If flagyl is one, please contact Dr. J immediately. Sometimes in animals it can cause seizure issues or tyzzers syndrome, which is a cocking of the neck, ear back toward the shoulder. While not a common issue in people that I know of, If she were my child I would at least consult with them.

Give me a call if you have any further questions. You know who I am I believe. We talked on the phone about getting you in to see doctor J and strategies to get you through till her appt.

Posted by PacificMama (Member # 6821) on :

Here is an update and more detail:

In the past couple of hours she has started to cock her head to both sides, but is not tugging at her ears. Now it seems like an involuntary action. I ask her if she is doing it herself or it just happens, but I really can't get a reliable answer.

She is on amoxicillin and zithro.

I will Call Dr. J's office tomorrow, and my ped (he is one prescribing abx).

Posted by Lishs mom (Member # 2344) on :

Sounds herxy, but a professional opinion is worthwhile getting here...
Best wishes, feel free to call me tomorrow and let me know what happened.

Posted by Carol in PA (Member # 5338) on :

I wonder if your daughter is starting to develope a "tic."

This is an involuntary movement, and can be caused by Lyme Disease.
If it is a tic, she may be able to suppress it for a while, but continually commenting on it will only make her self conscious.

When babies or young children tug on an ear, it is a classic sign of ear pain and pressure, such as an ear infection.

She needs a medical examination to check for this. Is her temperature elevated?
Is her throat red or sore? Is the ear drum bulging from pressure? Does she still say that the ear hurts, or does she have a headache?
Is she eating okay? Sleeping okay?

Good luck at the doctor's, and I hope your daughter feels better soon.

Take care,
Carol

Posted by PacificMama (Member # 6821) on :

Thanks for everyone's comments.
Here's an update:

She definitely does not have ear infection.

I spoke with Dr. J's office yesterday and they said the head jerk is a neuro-lyme symptom, and so it is likely a herx reaction for my daughter.

Very scary for us, but I guess it also means we are on the road to recovery.