Symptom 4: Persistent Headaches or Eye Changes
Children, like us adults, can occasionally complain of headaches. A late-night study session or too much screen time could be the culprits. But when headaches become a daily complaint, it rings alarm bells. With RMS, particularly when the tumor is situated in the head or neck area, persistent headaches can be a distressing symptom. Unlike standard headaches, these don’t dissipate with over-the-counter painkillers or rest.
Alongside, there might be noticeable eye changes. Parents could observe a squint developing or the child complaining of double vision. More alarmingly, there may be a perceptible change in the eye’s position, it might appear to protrude or even drift. These aren’t changes one can brush off as being due to fatigue.
Digging deeper, such eye changes, often termed as proptosis, result from the tumor exerting pressure on the eye from behind. This can not only alter the eye’s position but also its function. Some kids might report blurriness or even partial vision loss.
Keeping track of such symptoms is crucial. An everyday diary noting the headache’s intensity, duration, and any accompanying symptoms can be a goldmine for a pediatrician or oncologist. It’s also essential to understand that kids might describe their headaches differently. Phrases like “my head feels heavy” or “it’s like a band around my head” can be their way of expressing the pain. (4)
