[32F] Experiencing headache, scalp sensitivity, and chills

Patient Description

A 32-year-old female presents with a 2-day history of a sudden onset, constant, throbbing headache localized to the forehead, which worsens in a noisy environment and improves with Tylenol. Additionally, she reports a 1-day history of scalp sensitivity, described as pain when moving her hair. The patient also experiences chills and sore hips but denies fever, vision changes, neck stiffness, weakness, numbness, and difficulty speaking. There is no previous history of similar symptoms, and no significant past medical history was reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Tension Headache: This is a common type of headache characterized by a dull, aching sensation all over the head. It is often described as a feeling of a tight band or dull ache around the head or behind the eyes. These headaches are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol can provide short-term relief.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relief medication, stress management, and sometimes antidepressants.
  • Migraine: Migraines are a type of headache characterized by throbbing pain, usually confined to one side of the head, that tends to get worse with movement and can last hours to days. The scalp may also be sensitive to touch. However, migraines are usually associated with other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound.

    • Treatment typically involves medication to relieve symptoms and prevent future attacks.
  • Viral Illness: Given your symptoms of headache, chills, general weakness, and muscle aches, you may have a viral illness such as the flu. However, you have not reported a fever, which is a common symptom of viral illnesses.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication to relieve symptoms.

What you can do

  1. Rest and hydrate: Ensure you are getting plenty of sleep and drinking enough water.
  2. Over-the-counter medication: Continue taking Tylenol as needed for your headache. If your symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult with a healthcare provider.
  3. Monitor your symptoms: If your symptoms worsen or you develop new symptoms, such as a high fever or severe headache, seek medical attention.

What you should look out for

  • If your headache is severe or lasts for more than a few days
  • If you develop a high fever
  • If you have difficulty speaking, seeing, or moving

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, I am not a doctor. You should consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a tension headache?

Common symptoms of a tension headache include a dull, aching sensation all over the head, a feeling of tightness or pressure across the forehead or on the sides and back of the head, and tenderness on the scalp, neck, and shoulder muscles.


How can I differentiate between a migraine and a tension headache?

Migraines are typically characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the head, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Tension headaches, on the other hand, usually involve a constant, dull pain on both sides of the head without the additional symptoms associated with migraines.


What are some home remedies for relieving headache symptoms?

Home remedies for relieving headache symptoms include resting in a quiet, dark room, applying a cold or warm compress to the head or neck, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation, and staying hydrated. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol can also be effective.


When should I seek medical attention for a headache?

You should seek medical attention for a headache if it is severe or lasts for more than a few days, if you develop a high fever, or if you experience symptoms such as difficulty speaking, seeing, or moving.


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