[24M] Experiencing a range of symptoms including migraines and cough

Patient Description

A 24-year-old male reports suffering from intense, pulsating migraines rated 10/10 in severity, often triggered by heat, smells, and bright light. These migraines occur at least once a month, typically upon waking and last for 3-5 days, accompanied by restlessness and vomiting. The patient also experiences moderate coughing, weakness with a severity of 5/10, and nausea rated 3/10, all persisting for 3 days. Additionally, the patient has been experiencing severe left eye pain for 2 days, rated 10/10, described as pain in the back of the eye. The patient also reports feeling chills and shivers. No changes in vision or recent injuries were reported. The patient has been managing migraines with migraine medication.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are a few possibilities:

  • Migraine: Your description of intense, pulsating headaches that last for several days and are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and smells is consistent with migraines. Migraines are a common neurological condition and can be very debilitating.

    • Treatment often involves medications to stop symptoms and prevent future attacks. Non-drug treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, may also be beneficial.
  • Viral Infection: Your symptoms of a cough, shivers, weakness, and lack of energy could be due to a common viral infection, such as the flu or a cold. These symptoms usually resolve on their own within a week or two.

    • Rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms.
  • Eye Strain: Your left eye pain could be due to eye strain, especially if you've been spending a lot of time in front of screens or doing close-up work. However, severe eye pain could also indicate a more serious condition, such as glaucoma, and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

    • Resting your eyes and adjusting your environment or habits can help prevent eye strain. If your eye pain is severe or doesn't improve, you should seek medical attention.

What you can do

  1. For your migraines, continue taking your migraine medication as prescribed. Try to identify and avoid potential triggers, such as certain foods, stress, or lack of sleep.
  2. To manage your viral infection symptoms, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and consider over-the-counter remedies to alleviate symptoms like cough and shivers.
  3. For your eye pain, try taking breaks from screen time and ensure your work environment is well-lit and comfortable. If your eye pain persists or worsens, seek medical attention.

What you should look out for

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

  • Your headache is the worst you've ever had.
  • You have a high fever along with your headache.
  • Your headache comes on suddenly and severely.
  • You have trouble seeing or speaking.
  • You feel very weak, dizzy, or have trouble walking.
  • You have a severe headache and a stiff neck.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What are common triggers for migraines and how can they be managed?

Common triggers for migraines include stress, certain foods (like aged cheese and processed meats), alcohol, caffeine, changes in sleep patterns, and sensory stimuli such as bright lights or strong smells. Managing these triggers involves identifying them through a headache diary and avoiding them when possible. Medications and lifestyle changes, such as regular sleep and stress management techniques, can also help.


How can I differentiate between a migraine and a more serious condition?

While migraines are characterized by intense, pulsating headaches often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, a more serious condition might present with additional symptoms such as sudden onset, the worst headache ever experienced, high fever, stiff neck, or neurological symptoms like vision changes or difficulty speaking. If these occur, seek immediate medical attention.


What are some effective ways to relieve eye strain?

To relieve eye strain, take regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Ensure your workspace is well-lit, adjust screen brightness, and consider using artificial tears if your eyes feel dry. If symptoms persist, consult an eye care professional.


What are the typical symptoms of a viral infection like the flu or a cold?

Typical symptoms of a viral infection like the flu or a cold include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. These symptoms usually resolve on their own within a week or two, and can be managed with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to alleviate discomfort.


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