Child's Mysterious Fever After Soccer Incident: Is It Related to Concussion?

Two weeks ago, the child was hit by a ball during soccer class, and two weeks later, they developed a high fever for four days without any known cause?

A seven-year-old child accidentally got hit by a soccer ball during a class on the morning of August 13th and fell to the ground.
According to the child, he closed his eyes and felt like he fainted, but quickly opened his eyes and got back up.
He went swimming in the afternoon and did not exhibit any other symptoms until two weeks later when he started experiencing unexplained fevers.
He has seen a doctor three times, with no signs of a cold, and rapid tests have not identified any cause.
His fever peaked at 40.3 degrees Celsius, and it only subsides temporarily with antipyretics.
The child has a reduced appetite but is able to eat, and he has mild diarrhea.
His overall energy levels seem fine, and he can communicate normally.
He has been experiencing fever for four days now, and we are unsure if this is related to the concussion.
Thank you.

Fan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/08/24

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

Hello, first you should know that there is still doubt regarding the concussion.
If it were truly a brain-related illness causing the high fever, the child would likely have already been in a coma, so that possibility is extremely low.
Furthermore, the fact that it occurred two weeks later makes this connection quite tenuous.
The likelihood of fever resulting from swimming might even be higher.

Reply Date: 2016/08/24

More Info

Based on the information provided, it is understandable to be concerned about the connection between the child's soccer incident and the subsequent fever. The child experienced a blow to the head during a soccer class, which led to a brief moment of unconsciousness. However, it is important to note that the symptoms of a concussion typically manifest shortly after the injury, rather than appearing weeks later.
Concussions can cause a variety of symptoms, including headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and sometimes fever. However, the fever that has developed two weeks after the incident is unlikely to be directly related to the concussion itself. The timing of the fever suggests that it may be due to another underlying cause, such as a viral infection, which is common in children.

The child has been experiencing a high fever (up to 40.3 degrees Celsius) for four days, along with a decreased appetite and mild diarrhea. These symptoms could indicate a viral infection, which is often accompanied by fever. The fact that the child has no respiratory symptoms or other signs of a common cold further supports the idea that this fever is not related to the concussion but rather to a separate illness.

It is also worth noting that the child’s ability to communicate and maintain a relatively stable mental state is a positive sign. If the fever were due to a serious condition related to the concussion, one would expect to see more severe neurological symptoms, such as confusion, persistent vomiting, or loss of consciousness.

Given the duration of the fever and the child's symptoms, it is advisable to continue monitoring the situation closely. If the fever persists beyond a few more days or worsens, it would be prudent to seek further medical evaluation. A healthcare provider may consider additional tests to rule out infections or other conditions that could be causing the fever.

In summary, while the initial soccer incident may have raised concerns about a concussion, the subsequent fever is more likely related to a viral infection rather than the concussion itself. It is essential to keep the child hydrated, manage the fever with appropriate medications, and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms do not improve or if new symptoms arise.

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