Brief Answer:
He is a minor and you as a parent are his Guardian

Detailed Answer:
I am sorry to hear that your son is not in agreement with your wishes that he be seen in the ER. I cannot say what YOU are feeling in his neck....they may be lymph nodes that are swollen....they could be tight muscles....not clear without actually being able to palpate him. However, typically, if this were anything particularly egregious such as MENINGITIS or cervical infection, or mastoiditis, etc. then, I'd expect him to have a fever of some significance....plus he'd be complaining of things such as sensitivity to light, sound, possibly feel spinning sensations, have nausea/vomiting, etc.

Since you've only mentioned the droopy left eye then, none of the other symptoms I mentioned are there by ASSUMPTION. Still, if he were to have any of what I mentioned and if these were the reasons that you wished him to go to the ER for immediate attention then, you as his GUARDIAN could literally exercise your legal right by calling 911 and instructing that he be taken to the closest ER on the basis of your feeling that something of an URGENT nature were taking place.

I agree that such a solution seems a bit extreme but most 16 year olds I know and have treated may put up a fuss if their parents wanted them to do to a doctor, go to an ER, or even take a shot, or other medication. However, the vast majority that I know WOULD STOP fighting that much once the officer from the police dept. showed up at the door with the ambulance with you making the request that he immediately be transported due to your concern that he may be suffering from an emergency medical condition....whether or not they felt it was really an emergency.

That is the power of the GUARDIAN when dealing with a minor. Again, I understand your reticence (an parent's really) of forcing a visit on him..especially, he is probably quite aware of the tests, injections, and medications that he may have to sustain if in fact, he were either seen in the emergency dept. or admitted to the hospital. And of course, to his mind there's nothing really that wrong.

However, since you are the one with him it is your call whether or not he should be taken somewhere for increased medical attention.

f I've answered your concern satisfactorily would you do me the largest of favors and CLOSE THIS QUERY with a few words of positive feedback? Please write back to me if other questions or comments at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi should arise and I will gladly answer more concerns.

This query has utilized 15 min. of research and response time on behalf of this patient.

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Brief Answer:
All the best

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the update. I wouldn't've guessed a serious illness which really would've required an ER visit....However, the good news is you at least don't have to battle with him to go see the Dr. today. Who knows how the minds of 16 year olds work? Maybe he had a hot date on the Fortnight Channel! LOL.....

My guess is that this will pass uneventfully and all will get back to normal.

All the best and do let me know if there are any other questions or opinions I can help you sort out with yourself, your son, or anyone else if needed.

Cheers!


Once again, if I've answered your questions satisfactorily I'd appreciate your CLOSING THE QUERY with a bit of positive feedback for future prospective patients who may peruse my encounters with others? Please write back to me if other questions or comments at: www.bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi and I will gladly answer more concerns.

This query has utilized a total of 25 min. of research and response time on behalf of this patient.

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