[62F] Experiencing severe headache, neck pain, and chills

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are some possibilities:

• Migraine: This is a type of headache characterized by severe, throbbing pain usually on one side of the head. Migraines can cause sensitivity to light and sound, and they can last for hours to days. Your description of a throbbing headache that affects your entire head and sight could be indicative of a migraine.

  • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve pain and prevent future migraines.

• Tension-type headache: This is the most common type of headache and can cause mild, moderate, or intense pain in your head, neck, and behind your eyes. Your neck stiffness could be related to this.

  • Treatment usually involves over-the-counter pain relievers, but in severe cases, your doctor may prescribe stronger medications.

• High blood pressure (hypertension): Your history of high blood pressure could potentially contribute to your headache and dizziness. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can lead to hypertensive crisis, which can cause severe headaches.

  • Treatment involves lifestyle changes and medications to control blood pressure levels.

• Temporal Arteritis: This is an inflammation of the arteries in and around the scalp. It is more common in people over 50 and can cause a severe headache, scalp tenderness, jaw pain, and vision problems. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

  • Treatment involves high doses of a corticosteroid drug to reduce inflammation.

Please note that these are only possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. You should seek immediate medical attention given the severity and duration of your symptoms.

What you can do

1. Seek immediate medical attention. Your symptoms are severe and have lasted for over a day. It's important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
2. Rest and stay hydrated. This can sometimes help alleviate headache symptoms.
3. Avoid activities that worsen your symptoms.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Your headache or neck pain becomes severe or unbearable.
• You have difficulty speaking, swallowing, or moving.
• You have a high fever.
• You experience sudden, severe abdominal pain.
• You have a sudden, severe headache accompanied by a stiff neck and vomiting.

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.