A mother has spoken of her anguish after her toddler developed a mysterious wobble that left doctors scratching their heads for months.
Little Oliver, just two years old, began experiencing severe balance issues earlier this year, leaving his family terrified and medical professionals puzzled. His mother, Sarah Thompson, 32, from Manchester, describes the heartbreaking moment she first noticed something was wrong.
The First Signs of Trouble
"It started gradually," Sarah recalls. "One day he was running around like any normal toddler, the next he was struggling to stay upright. Within weeks, he could barely walk without support."
The family's GP initially suspected an ear infection, but when antibiotics failed to help, Oliver was referred to specialists at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.
Months of Uncertainty
"We've seen neurologists, pediatricians, ENT specialists - nobody can give us answers," Sarah explains. "Every test comes back normal, yet my little boy can't walk properly. It's every parent's nightmare."
The family has endured:
- Four hospital admissions
- Countless blood tests
- Three MRI scans
- Multiple specialist consultations
A Mother's Determination
Despite the lack of diagnosis, Sarah remains determined to find answers. "I won't stop until we know what's causing this," she says firmly. "Seeing your child struggle like this... it changes you."
Pediatric specialists have told the Mirror that balance issues in toddlers can stem from various causes, including:
- Neurological conditions
- Inner ear problems
- Genetic disorders
- Metabolic issues
"Cases like Oliver's remind us how much we still have to learn about childhood development," says Dr. Emily Carter, a pediatric neurologist not involved in Oliver's care.
Hope for the Future
While the family awaits further tests, Sarah has started a blog to document their journey and connect with other parents facing similar challenges. "If sharing our story helps one other family feel less alone, it's worth it," she says.
The Thompsons are now exploring private healthcare options while continuing NHS treatment, determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest for answers.
