[44F] With severe headache, neck pain, and night sweats

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms and history you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your condition:

Severe Headache, Pressure Behind the Eye, and Night Sweats

1. Infection or Inflammatory Condition: Given your night sweats, chills, and severe headache, an infection or inflammatory condition could be a possibility. This could include conditions like meningitis or a severe sinus infection. However, these conditions often come with fever, which you are unsure about.
2. Pituitary Tumor: Your hormone-extracting pituitary tumor could be contributing to your symptoms, especially the headache and vision changes (yellow floaters). Pituitary tumors can cause headaches and visual disturbances due to their location near the optic nerves.
3. Cervical Spine Issues: Your history of multilevel degenerative disc disease and spondylosis could be contributing to your neck pain and headaches. Cervical spine issues can sometimes cause referred pain to the head and eyes.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

1. Cervical Radiculopathy: Given your history of degenerative disc disease and spondylosis, cervical radiculopathy (nerve compression in the neck) could explain the pain radiating from your shoulders into your neck and head, as well as the weakness, numbness, and tingling in your right arm.
2. Muscle Strain or Ligament Injury: The severe pain and feeling of tearing in your shoulder and neck could be due to muscle strain or ligament injury, possibly exacerbated by your existing cervical spine issues.

Coordination and Balance Issues

1. Neurological Involvement: The difficulty with coordination and balance, along with the other symptoms, could indicate a neurological issue. This could be related to your cervical spine condition or potentially the pituitary tumor.

What you can do

Severe Headache, Pressure Behind the Eye, and Night Sweats

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms and the potential for serious underlying conditions, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Go to the emergency department or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Document Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share longitudinal medical notes with your provider. This can help in diagnosing and managing your condition.

Neck and Shoulder Pain

• Consult a Specialist: See a healthcare provider, preferably a neurologist or an orthopedic specialist, to evaluate your neck and shoulder pain. They may recommend imaging studies like an MRI to assess your cervical spine.
• Pain Management: While waiting for your appointment, you can:
  • Apply a heating pad or ice pack to the affected area for short periods.
  • Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.
  • Continue taking Diclofenac as prescribed, but consult your doctor if it is not providing relief.

Coordination and Balance Issues

• Safety Precautions: Take precautions to prevent falls or injuries due to balance issues. Avoid activities that require precise coordination until you have been evaluated by a healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Given the severity of your symptoms and the potential for serious underlying conditions, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Reasons to seek care even more urgently include:

• Fever or worsening chills: This could indicate an infection.
• Severe or sudden vision changes: This could indicate a neurological issue or complications from your pituitary tumor.
• Severe weakness or numbness: This could indicate nerve compression or a neurological issue.
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain: These are signs of a medical emergency.

Remember, while I can provide information and suggestions, I am not a doctor. It is essential to seek care from real health professionals to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to continue the conversation.