[SpaceCadet]

Last night, my son was running in circles around the couch and lost control. He ran into the entrance of the hallway (the doorway) and banged his head really good. There is a knot the size of a golf ball and he's just not acting himself ever since. I could just be paranoid since i'm very protective of my son...but, he's not walking right, the words he knows how to say aren't coming out right, he's calling everything cereal, his pupils look bigger than normal, he's slow to respond...I'm very worried about him.

My mom wants me to take him to the ER but I don't think that's going to help. It's hard for a doctor to diagnose a concussion in a child of his age. Only the parents and those close to him would know if he's acting different, you know? I don't think his brain is bleeding and I don't want his little brain to be assaulted by the radiation of a CT scan.

What should I do?

[mrsD]

Pediatricians see alot of head hits in small children. I'd take him to the pediatrician.

[Neurobrain2000]

He will be fine as long as it doesn't happen again. Warning sgins for worsening would be excessive sleepiness, throbbing headache or double vision.

[SpaceCadet]

I can't take him to his pediatrician because his stupid mom didn't follow through with Welfare and his insurance got turned off.

He's still acting very weird. His pupils are really dilated, all the time, his balance is off, he's extremely fussy and being very disobedient. He takes long naps during the day, longer than usual...We usually sleep about 2-3 hours during the day now.

I took him to the emergency room and they wanted to give him a CT scan. I respectfully declined. The doctor said he doesn't think its anything serious or his symptoms would be more severe. I'm still very, very worried about him. I love my little boy and he's just not acting himself right now....

...HELP???

[SalfuZ]

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

Last night, my son was running in circles around the couch and lost control. He ran into the entrance of the hallway (the doorway) and banged his head really good. There is a knot the size of a golf ball and he's just not acting himself ever since. I could just be paranoid since i'm very protective of my son...but, he's not walking right, the words he knows how to say aren't coming out right, he's calling everything cereal, his pupils look bigger than normal, he's slow to respond...I'm very worried about him.

My mom wants me to take him to the ER but I don't think that's going to help. It's hard for a doctor to diagnose a concussion in a child of his age. Only the parents and those close to him would know if he's acting different, you know? I don't think his brain is bleeding and I don't want his little brain to be assaulted by the radiation of a CT scan.

What should I do?

Sorry to sound loud, but you must take your son to the ER immediately!!!!
Your not qualified to make any life decisions about this obvious concusion!!!!!!
Your child is in danger of his life, the brain is nothing to mess around with. He is a pediatric child who will be treated differently then a adult. Please take him to the ER...PLEASE
SalfuZ

[Jomar]

Does the county have sliding scale fees for medical care?
That might be an option for follow up care.

[SpaceCadet]

Originally Posted by Jo*mar

Does the county have sliding scale fees for medical care?
That might be an option for follow up care.

Honestly, I can't even afford to put food in the fridge and I'm short on rent. My only option is the emergency room and we all know there is nothing they can do for him.

[Kitty]

Originally Posted by SpaceCadet

Honestly, I can't even afford to put food in the fridge and I'm short on rent. My only option is the emergency room and we all know there is nothing they can do for him.

We don't know that there is nothing they can do for him.

They are obligated to treat no matter the ability to pay. Especially for a child.......if they thought a CT scan was needed I'd surely get that and any follow-up care they deemed necessary.

[Jomar]

Does your county have a WIC program?
It may have a different name in other states.
short for women infants children - I'm sure it covers dads too..

gets you food vouchers and other county services.

Check your county website to see whats available for help.

join a church, they often have help for people in need.

[Concussion]

You live in Vegas.

Take him to UNLV Medical ER. They have a very competent Pediatric Center .

Hospitals have Social Services that can work with you to arrange for social services to pick up where services were 'dropped' by whatever fault.

That child is in need, and you need to obtain the best possible evaluation for him; as you know - you have been through this yourself.

Don't let 'what you can afford' hold back the care he needs now.

Go for it , SpaceCadet, you will feel all the better for it after all.