Persistent Headache with Nausea and Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Help

Q: Persistent Headache with Nausea and Fever: When to Seek Further Medical Help

Hello： Generally speaking, headaches associated with a cold are classified as tension-type headaches. <br>The symptoms of tension-type headaches include： (1) Typically bilateral, located in the occipital and parietal regions, sometimes with widespread pain. <br>The nature of the

Headache, nausea, and fever?

I have been experiencing headaches for over a week.
Initially, the pain was not severe, but it has recently intensified.
The main location of the pain is at the right back of my head, and I feel a sensation similar to having a fever throughout my body.
I visited a clinic, and the doctor said it was a headache caused by a fever.
When I went to the clinic, my temperature was always around 37 degrees Celsius, but the headache started before that, and in the past few days, my temperature has ranged between 36.3 and 37.4 degrees Celsius.
Even when I am not feverish, I still experience headaches, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Additionally, I have a urinary tract infection; I took medication, which improved my frequent urination, but the headache has not changed.
What could these symptoms indicate? Should I continue visiting the clinic or try seeing a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner?

coco, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/06/15

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Hello: Generally speaking, headaches associated with a cold are classified as tension-type headaches.
The symptoms of tension-type headaches include: (1) Typically bilateral, located in the occipital and parietal regions, sometimes with widespread pain.
The nature of the pain is dull, aching, with a sensation of pressure or tightness, and it is non-pulsating.
There may be tightness and stiffness in the occipital-cervical region, which is more pronounced when turning the neck, with pain intensity ranging from mild to moderate.
(2) There are tender points in the muscles at the site of pain, and sometimes pulling the scalp can also cause pain.
The muscles may feel stiff, and one or more nodules, referred to as tender nodules, may be palpable.
(3) The pain does not interfere with daily activities; for example, walking or climbing stairs does not exacerbate the headache.
(4) Fatigue, tension, excitement, anxiety, insomnia, or depression can worsen the headache.
Pain may be triggered by flexion and extension of the head.
Regarding the urinary tract infection you mentioned, there are a few important points to note.
Before using antibiotics, two things should be considered: first, a urine culture should be performed, and after 2-3 days, the medication can be adjusted based on the bacteria causing the infection.
Second, it is essential to complete the course of antibiotics, which typically lasts 5-7 days for a urinary tract infection.
Since antibiotics can disrupt normal flora, it is advisable to supplement with probiotics for protection.
Preventive measures for urinary tract infections include adequate hydration, regular urination, and maintaining cleanliness in the perineal area.
For the headache, I recommend that you consult a neurologist for further evaluation and follow-up.
Please ensure self-protection, cleanliness, and adherence to preventive measures before and after seeking medical care.
Thank you for your inquiry, and feel free to discuss any related questions! Wishing you good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Department of Neurology, Taoyuan Hospital, cares for you.

Reply Date: 2021/06/15

More Info

Persistent headaches, especially when accompanied by nausea and fever, can be indicative of various underlying conditions that may require further medical evaluation. Given your symptoms, it is crucial to take a systematic approach to understanding what might be happening in your body.

Firstly, the fact that your headache has persisted for over a week and has worsened is concerning. Headaches can arise from numerous causes, including tension, migraines, sinus issues, or more serious conditions such as infections or neurological disorders. The location of your headache—specifically at the back of your head—combined with feelings of nausea and a sensation of fever, suggests that it may not be a simple tension headache.
The presence of nausea and a fluctuating temperature, even if it does not reach the threshold of fever, can indicate that your body is fighting an infection or dealing with inflammation. Since you mentioned having a history of bladder infections, it is possible that there could be a connection between your urinary symptoms and your headache. Infections can sometimes lead to systemic symptoms, including headaches, as the body responds to the infection.

Given that you have already consulted a doctor who attributed your headache to fever, it is essential to consider whether there might be an underlying infection that has not been fully addressed. For instance, conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis can present with headaches, fever, and nausea, and they require immediate medical attention.
It is also worth noting that if you are experiencing frequent urination and have been diagnosed with a bladder infection, the infection could potentially spread or lead to complications that might manifest as headaches. The fact that your headache persists despite treatment for your bladder infection suggests that it may not be solely related to that condition.

In terms of next steps, it is advisable to seek further medical evaluation, particularly from a neurologist or an internist, who can conduct a thorough examination and possibly recommend imaging studies such as a CT scan or MRI to rule out any serious conditions. Additionally, if you experience any new symptoms such as changes in vision, confusion, or severe neck stiffness, you should seek emergency medical care immediately.

While alternative treatments, such as traditional Chinese medicine, may provide relief for some individuals, they should not replace conventional medical evaluation, especially in cases where there are persistent and concerning symptoms. It is crucial to have a clear diagnosis before exploring alternative therapies.

In summary, given the duration and severity of your headache, along with accompanying symptoms of nausea and a history of bladder infection, it is essential to seek further medical evaluation. Do not hesitate to return to your healthcare provider or seek a second opinion if necessary. Your health and well-being should always be the priority, and persistent symptoms warrant thorough investigation to ensure that any serious conditions are identified and treated promptly.

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