[18F] With severe headache and neck ache

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've shared, here are some possible conditions:

• Meningitis: This is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms often include severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, and nausea. It's a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics and sometimes antiviral medications.

• Mononucleosis: Also known as "mono" or the "kissing disease", this is a viral infection that can cause fatigue, sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, and night sweats.

  • There's no specific treatment for mono. Rest, good nutrition, and drinking plenty of fluids are your best bets.

• Lyme Disease: This is a bacterial infection you get from the bite of an infected tick. The first symptom is usually a rash, which may look like a bull's eye. As the infection spreads, you might have a fever, a headache, muscle and joint aches, a stiff neck, and fatigue.

  • Treatment involves antibiotics.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

Given the severity of your headache and the presence of other symptoms such as neck ache, swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, and chills, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• A sudden, severe headache that's different from past headaches.
• A headache accompanied by a stiff neck, fever, confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures.
• A headache after a head injury, especially if the headache gets worse.
• A chronic headache that is worse after coughing, exertion, straining, or a sudden movement.
• New headache pain if you're over 50.

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider.