Question

Twelve-year-old S is brought to the emergency department by his parents after they found him unresponsive with a sickly sweet scent in his room. They are furious that he is 'obviously intoxicated because of some kind of substance.' Please provide an assessment and guidance for this scenario considering the possible causes and appropriate actions to take.

Answer 1

Possible causes for the symptoms include meningitis, encephalitis, and infection. Immediate medical attention is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described in the scenario are excessive crying, irritability, sensitivity to light, unusual lethargy, vomiting, swollen lymph nodes in the throat and armpits, and swollen and tender abdomen over the spleen. Based on these symptoms, some possible causes could be:

1. Meningitis: Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The symptoms such as sensitivity to light, irritability, and stiff neck are indicative of meningitis.
2. Encephalitis: Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. Symptoms like unusual lethargy, confusion, and irritability, along with fever, can be seen in encephalitis cases.
3. Infection: Certain infections, such as viral gastroenteritis or a viral respiratory infection, can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Considering these possibilities, it is recommended to seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. The doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including physical examination, blood tests, and potentially other diagnostic tests, to determine the exact cause of the symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.