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What Causes Headaches, Chills And Fever In A Child?

Posted on Thu, 24 Sep 2015

Question: My grandson has recently started having headaches, chills, a fever of 96 degrees. He is five years and recently started kindergarten. His skin is cold to the touch and is sleeping much more than normal.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Neurological assessment needed

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern

Headache, chills and drowsiness in a young child are danger signs that need to be evaluated. Meningitis and encephalitis can present in similar ways. He needs to be examined by a pediatrician for neck stiffness and signs like photophobia. A complete neurological exam should also be done to look for any focal deficit. His vaccination profile should also be revisited and the management initiated accordingly. 96 degrees Fahrenheit is quiet a low temperature. Try to keep him warm and give him plenty of fluids if oral intake is fine. Tylenol or ibuprofen can be given for the headache for now. Please consult a pediatrician in this regard to decide on starting antibiotics/antivirals, whether CSF examination or brain imaging is required or not.

Wishing you best of health

Thanks

Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.

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Dr. M.S. Khalil

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar