Why doesn't my baby ever cry?

Q: I have a four-month-old baby girl who hardly ever cries. At first I thought she was just content, but I've also noticed that she doesn't respond to noises unless they're very loud. Do you think she has a hearing problem? Lorraine, 32

A: A lack of crying doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong, but you may be right as many babies who have hearing problems cry less because they don't respond to sound. See whether your daughter turns around to check where noises come from. If she doesn't, this could further prove she has a hearing impairment. Get her diagnosed by a paediatrician as soon as possible - late diagnosis can lead to speech and language difficulties. She should have had an otoacoustic emission test, which determines what noises your baby's ear can hear, but this may have been missed or needs repeating. An auditory brainstem response test should determine if treatment is needed - see your GP about this. But don't panic, there is excellent help available. Call the National Deaf Children's Society on 0808 800 8880 for more info.

Q: I keep getting pins and needles in my left foot that are so bad I can't stand on it. Why is it happening and what can I do? Jennifer, 39

A: The tingling sensation of pins and needles occurs when pressure is applied to nerves leading to the hands and feet, limiting their blood supply. If the pins and needles come on gradually, starting from your toes, it may be a sign of a vitamin deficiency, diabetes, alcohol or metal poisoning - but that would usually affect both feet. It can also be the first sign of multiple sclerosis or a lump in the feet or spine called a neuroma. In your case, it's probably a trapped nerve, either in the spine where a slipped disc is pushing on the nerve roots, or at the knee or ankle where a band of fibrous tissue can squeeze a nerve and stop its blood supply. A simple procedure by an orthopaedic surgeon can free the nerve. See your GP for an examination.

HELP! MY NECK HURTS

1: One of the most common causes of neck pain is sleeping awkwardly, which strains your muscles and ligaments. Wrap a hot water bottle in a towel and hold against your neck to help ease the discomfort.

2: Take ibuprofen for the pain and to help reduce any swelling. Try to keep moving your neck by gently rotating your head from one side to the other.

3: See your doctor immediately if you develop a temperature, you feel dizzy and disorientated or the ache gets worse. If the pain persists your GP may refer you to a physiotherapist or a chiropractor.

ASPIRIN OR A&E?

SYMPTOM: STOMACH CRAMPS
YOUR WORRY IT'S: A stomach ulcer.
Don't panic: Ulcers are sores on the lining of the stomach and are most common in over-50s. Symptoms include pain and nausea after eating - but his could simply be down to trapped wind or indigestion.
HIT THE HOSPITAL IF: You vomit blood or become feverish.

STOMACH ULCERS AFFECT ONE IN EIGHT PEOPLE IN THE UK*

Email your health questions to drhilary@fabulousmag.co.uk

COMPILED BY: JO UPCRAFT PHOTOGRAPHY: SCOPE BEAUTY * SOURCE: NHS.UK DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN IF YOU ARE UNDER 16

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