What Causes Bump On Head, Slight Fever, Diarrhea And Excessive Crying?

Posted on Sat, 4 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 4 Jul 2015 Answered on

Tue, 21 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I would like to speak with a Dr due to my son again. he has a bump on his head that isn't injury related the on call Dr at his pediatricians office had disscussed some information with me about meningitis. but I would like to speak more about this issue.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Bump only is not the manifestation of meningitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Please elaborate your query.
For how long bump is there and in which portion of skull?
Any associated symptoms like fever,vomiting,excessive cry?

In meningitis due to increased intracranial pressure there can be prominent fontanel that may appear as a bump.
If possible attach an image so that I better able to help you out.
Looking forward for your response.
Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

excessive crying, not quite a fever but temp is higher than usual, diarrhea consistent about 2 months, occasional vomitting, seems to be pained, loss of appetite slept most of the day

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Does not seem to be meningitis

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back

Diarrhea for 2 months,occasional vomiting does not exactly fit into the criteria of meningitis.
From the question answer history I got to know that your baby has undergone pyloromyotomy surgery for Pylori stenosis.
In view of such prolonged history I would like to get her clinically evaluated by a pediatrician to check any signs of meningitis.In addition to this I would like to get some investigation done like Complete blood count,CRP,stool test,urine test to see any evidence of infection.
In case of bulged fontanel and other signs of meningitis I would like to get CSF examination done along with imaging studies like MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
For proper treatment an appropriate diagnosis is need to be made by clinical and lab evaluation.
Please write in detail and also attach the reports of investigations done earlier for better assessment.
Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (8 minutes later)

their has been no investigation, they switched his formula a lot he is on neocate and on a pro biotic called bio Gaia everything is still the same nothing changed. he's been screaming a lot for long lengths of time cold hands and feet a lot often he is happy and playful and others he's sleepy and pained. no test have been done

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If weight gain is proper I won't be overly worried

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up

I would like to know the current age and weight of the baby.
If he is gaining weight properly I won't be overly worried for loose stool.According to age I would also be able to suggest you the proper diet/formula feed.
Please let me know if there is any peri anal redness or stiffness of body.
Also I would like to get the investigation done mentioned earlier so that I would be assured that there is nothing serious.
If investigation suggests any infection he should be treated accordingly to get relief.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (9 minutes later)

he dose once in a while get red irritated skin from head to toe he is going on 4 months he weighs 12.7

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
The weight is appropriate for this age

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back

The weight of 12.5 at 4 month is normal and so I won't get worried for loose stools.
In case of severe loose stool the baby would not have gained weight.
The intermittent cry can be due to colic.
Passing stool 6-7 times a day is normal unless it causes improper weight gain or dehydration.
I think you should get him evaluated by a pediatrician and discuss your doubts to alleviate your anxiety.

Regards

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