My 3 year old has a sudden, unexplained swelling of her left temple (a little near her eye and just below it, but it is mainly the temple). She did not get hurt here or at daycare and there is absolutely no mark, bruise or cut of any kind. She was fine until right after her bath. It is not tender to the touch and it is not red. I asked her if anything hurt and she said no. I asked her specifically about her head, ear or eye and she said no. She was acting 100% normal tonight (laughing, dancing playing) but I called the doctor as soon as I noticed her temple because I had never seen anything like that! Doc said not to worry, but she offered no explanation, so I can't stop worrying. I finally let her go to sleep a little bit ago, but I can't stop staring at the monitor. Has anyone ever seen unexplained swelling in the temple area like this??
A quick google search showed that sometimes our temes swell after eating. Was she gnawing any extra gummy or crunchy stuff tonight?
I would not be pleased with any doctor who said "don't worry" over the phone and who had not even seen my child. An unexplained swelling should be reason for the doctor to have told you to bring your child in to be checked. If the practice has more than one pediatrician, ask to see another one.
I would take her in today. While it likely is not anything big, you should at least get her checked to rule things out. While she says (and daycare says) she didn't hit her head, you can't be sure; she might have done it while out of an adult's sight for just a second and she might not have hit it hard enough even to recall it. The lack of bruising or tenderness is a good thing! Ask the doctor about cellulitis -- it's a swelling that can be cause by lots of things and is harmless and goes away, and does not have bruising etc. If the swelling continues have her checked again and ask about her seeing someone who specializes in the eye/ear areas, but she likely will be OK -- just do get her checked so you have a baseline.
Never rely on a doctor. go with your mommy instinct. when in doubt go get it checked out!!! I never mess around with the head. Even if its unexplained.
Go to the doctor. How can the doctor know over the phone. They probably assumed you are a over dramatic parent and dismissed your concerns. Don't listen to the doctor. Go to the doctor and get her checked out. Wouldn't you rather know than worry about it all night? Any swelling around the head, neck, etc I take seriously. Good luck~
I suggest that this is one of those things that happens without explanation. The fact that the doctor is not concerned should allow you to relax. He's had training and experience and knows of no reason for concern.
