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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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5 Year Old With Lumps Below The Ear Lobe, Stiff Neck. Muscular Or Something Serious?

hi, my daughter woke up with a stiff neck she is 5 years old, there are 3 lumps about 3cm down from her ear lobe around the outer part of her neck muscle, one lump is large and the other two are small she finds it hard to move and has been laying down all day. Do you think this is just muscular or could it be something else?
Mon, 4 Feb 2013
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hi

From your description- it looks like the lymph glands in the neck are swollen.

Usual cause of such swelling of the lymph gland is infection in the scalp/ ear lobe/ facial skin.
It can happen in infestations of the scalp- lice and also in dandruff due to repeated scratching and secondary infection.

Since you say she is unable to move her neck, I would suggest that you see your Pediatrician and get her examined. Your Doctor will examine her throat, ear, scalp, skin on face etc and if any infective focus is seen, he will advise treatment accordingly.

These lymph glands can be swollen in some viral infections and some other conditions too.
So please visit your pediatrician`s office and get her treated.
Till then you may give her pain killers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen according to her weight.

Hope my answer helps you.
Wish your daughter a speedy recovery.
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Pediatrician, Surgery,  Dr. Antony Robert Charles's  Response
HI

Does your child have a fever ? Any abnormal movements ?

The three lumps on the outer part of the neck are most likely inflamed lymph nodes. These could be part of an infection that is causing her to hold her neck stiff. It is possible also that there is the risk of meningitis. This needs to be seen to by your GP / pediatrician urgently. Please get her to a doc soon/

Regards

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5 Year Old With Lumps Below The Ear Lobe, Stiff Neck. Muscular Or Something Serious?

Hi From your description- it looks like the lymph glands in the neck are swollen. Usual cause of such swelling of the lymph gland is infection in the scalp/ ear lobe/ facial skin. It can happen in infestations of the scalp- lice and also in dandruff due to repeated scratching and secondary infection. Since you say she is unable to move her neck, I would suggest that you see your Pediatrician and get her examined. Your Doctor will examine her throat, ear, scalp, skin on face etc and if any infective focus is seen, he will advise treatment accordingly. These lymph glands can be swollen in some viral infections and some other conditions too. So please visit your pediatrician`s office and get her treated. Till then you may give her pain killers like Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen according to her weight. Hope my answer helps you. Wish your daughter a speedy recovery.