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Identifying Symptoms

09/03/2008

Question:

I have an 11 year old who has been having “spells” since he started walking at 1yr. old. He gets very dizzy and then slips into this unconsious state where he cannot open his eyes and vomits violently for 24 hours. He has had all tests necessary by his pediatric neurologist. All have come back normal. The doctor suggests that it is anxiety related and put him on ativan. Is it even possible for a child as young as 1year old to have such anxiety to cause physical symptoms as severe as his?

Answer:

Seeking an evaluation from a pediatric neurologist was the right thing to do but the symptoms you relate do not seem consistent with an anxiety disorder. I would seek a second opinion from peds neurology.

For more information:

Go to the Anxiety and Stress Disorders (Children) health topic.