[48M] Experiencing nausea and severe unilateral headache

Patient Description

A 48-year-old male reports feeling generally hot, nauseous, and experiencing a major sudden headache upon waking. The nausea, rated 7 out of 10 in severity, is not related to the smell or thought of food and has not been alleviated by any known measures. The headache, which has been occurring a few days a week for several months, is located on the right side, near the temple and extending to the back of the head and neck. The patient describes the headache as more severe than previous headaches but does not exhibit features of a 'thunderclap' headache, neck stiffness, fever, or sensitivity to light or sound. Additionally, the patient experiences heat flushes lasting about 5 minutes. The patient takes Ibuprofen (200 mg) no more than once a day, 2-3 times a week, for random headaches or body aches. There is no history of pre-existing or chronic illnesses, no known drug allergies, and no other medications reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

  • Migraine: This is a type of headache characterized by severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head. Migraines can last for hours to days and can be accompanied by nausea.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relieving and preventive medications. Lifestyle changes such as stress management and avoiding certain foods can also help.
  • Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache and can cause a constant ache and tightness around your head, behind your eyes, and at the back of your head. It can also cause nausea.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relievers, stress management, and physical therapy.
  • Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu): This condition can cause nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. It's caused by a viral infection in your intestines.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms.
  • Heat exhaustion: This condition occurs when your body overheats, which can cause you to feel hot and nauseous.

    • Treatment typically involves cooling the body.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of all possible conditions that could explain your symptoms. It's also possible that more than one condition could be causing your symptoms.

What you can do

  1. Rest and hydrate: Make sure you're getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of fluids. This can help with headaches and nausea.

  2. Over-the-counter medication: You can try over-the-counter pain relievers for your headache. However, be careful not to use them too often, as this can sometimes make headaches worse.

  3. Cool down: If you're feeling hot, try to cool down by moving to a cooler location, drinking cool water, or using a fan.

  4. Seek medical attention: If your symptoms persist or get worse, please seek medical attention.

What you should look out for

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

  • Severe headache or a headache that gets progressively worse
  • Fever
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Persistent or severe vomiting
  • Signs of dehydration such as dark urine, dry mouth, and feeling extremely thirsty

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a migraine and how can they be managed?

Common symptoms of a migraine include severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head, nausea, and sometimes sensitivity to light and sound. Management includes pain-relieving medications, preventive medications, and lifestyle changes such as stress management and avoiding certain triggers.


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

A tension headache typically causes a constant ache and tightness around the head, behind the eyes, and at the back of the head, whereas a migraine is characterized by severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head. Tension headaches are often less severe and do not usually involve nausea or sensitivity to light and sound.


What are the signs of heat exhaustion and how can it be treated?

Signs of heat exhaustion include feeling hot, nausea, heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness. Treatment involves moving to a cooler place, drinking cool water, and resting. It's important to cool the body down to prevent progression to heat stroke.


When should I seek medical attention for a headache?

You should seek medical attention for a headache if it is severe or progressively worsening, if you experience a fever, stiff neck, confusion, persistent or severe vomiting, or signs of dehydration such as dark urine and dry mouth.


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