[20F] Experiencing severe headaches, chills, and back pain

Patient Description

A 20-year-old female presents with a constellation of symptoms including severe throbbing headaches that worsen with eye movement, continuous chills accompanied by sweating, and sharp back pain on the left side that is exacerbated when changing positions. These symptoms have been ongoing for approximately a week, with the back pain intensifying after carrying her daughter. The patient also reports a sore throat, runny nose, eye pain, and fatigue. She has a history of allergies to peanuts, shellfish, and some trees, and is currently taking Incassia (Norethindrone tablets) 0.35mg for birth control. She has not received the flu vaccine and has no other known chronic illnesses or conditions.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are several possible conditions that could be causing them:

  • Influenza (Flu): The flu is a common viral infection that can be deadly, especially in high-risk groups. The flu attacks the lungs, nose, and throat. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue.

    • Treatment typically involves rest and fluid to let the body recover. Over-the-counter medicine can help with symptoms. An annual vaccine can help prevent the flu and limit its complications.
  • Common Cold: A viral infection in your nose and throat. A common cold usually affects people for a week or two. Symptoms might include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches or a mild headache, sneezing, low-grade fever, and generally feeling unwell (malaise).

    • There's no cure for a common cold. Antibiotics are of no use against cold viruses. Over-the-counter (OTC) cold preparations won't cure a common cold or make it go away any sooner, and most have side effects.
  • Sinusitis: Inflammation and swelling of the sinuses can cause sinus pressure and pain, as well as headaches. This can also lead to a runny nose and sore throat due to post-nasal drip.

    • Treatment typically involves managing the pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers and decongestants can help. If the sinusitis is due to a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.
  • Migraine: Migraines are a type of headache characterized by intense pain and sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. In some people, migraines can be triggered by certain foods or smells.

    • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter or prescription medications to help relieve the symptoms. Avoiding known triggers can also help prevent migraines.

What you can do

  1. Rest and hydrate: Regardless of the cause, getting plenty of rest and staying hydrated can help your body recover.
  2. Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with the headaches and body aches. Decongestants can help with the runny nose and congestion.
  3. Avoid known triggers: If you know that certain foods or smells trigger your migraines, try to avoid them.
  4. Seek medical attention: If your symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention. Your healthcare provider can provide a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What you should look out for

  • If your symptoms persist or worsen over the next few days, seek medical attention.
  • If you develop a high fever, severe headache, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of the flu, and how can it be treated?

Common symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches, and fatigue. Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms. An annual flu vaccine can help prevent the flu.


How can I differentiate between a common cold and sinusitis?

A common cold usually presents with a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and mild body aches. Sinusitis, on the other hand, involves inflammation and swelling of the sinuses, causing sinus pressure, pain, and headaches. Sinusitis may also lead to a runny nose and sore throat due to post-nasal drip.


What are some effective ways to manage migraine headaches?

Migraines can be managed with over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve symptoms. Identifying and avoiding known triggers, such as certain foods or smells, can also help prevent migraines. Rest and hydration are important as well.


When should I seek medical attention for persistent symptoms?

You should seek medical attention if your symptoms persist or worsen over the next few days. Immediate medical attention is necessary if you develop a high fever, severe headache, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.

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