[20F] Experiencing severe headache, nausea, and neck strain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, it's possible you may be experiencing one of the following conditions:

• Migraine: This is a type of headache characterized by severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. The fact that your headache is associated with nausea and sensitivity to light suggests this possibility.

  • Treatment for migraines typically involves medications to help relieve the symptoms and prevent future attacks.

• Tension Headache: This is a common type of headache characterized by a dull, aching sensation all around your head, along with tenderness in your scalp, neck and shoulder muscles. Your description of a "heavy" headache and neck strain could be indicative of a tension headache.

  • Treatment for tension headaches usually involves pain relievers, stress management, and physical therapy.

• Viral Gastroenteritis: Also known as the stomach flu, this condition can cause nausea, vomiting, and sometimes low-grade fever. It's possible that your gastrointestinal symptoms are due to a viral infection, and the headache and neck strain are secondary symptoms.

  • Treatment for viral gastroenteritis mainly involves rest and hydration to allow your body to fight off the virus.

Please note that these are only possibilities and not definitive diagnoses. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and medical history in person.

What you can do

Here are some general suggestions that may help alleviate your symptoms:

1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting plenty of sleep and drinking enough fluids, especially if you're vomiting. Dehydration can make headaches worse.

2. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help with headache and muscle pain.

3. Avoid triggers: If you notice certain foods, activities, or environmental factors worsen your symptoms, try to avoid them.

What you should look out for

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

• A sudden, severe headache like a "thunderclap"
• A headache with a fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, seizures, double vision, weakness, numbness, or speaking difficulties
• 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, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different management. Always consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.