Child Having Headache With Swollen Glands In Neck. Should I Be Concerned?
Posted on Mon, 2 Dec 2013
80839
Question: My 12 y/o daughter has had a headache for over 2 months. It goes from mild to severe several times a day but never goes away. Her left eye droops a bit and she has swollen glands in her neck on the left side with no cold symptoms at all
Brief Answer:
Viral meningitis can present as such
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting on XXXXXXX
Though very rare, but viral meningitis or meningoencephalitis can present as you have described with viral lymphadenitis. Even though she does not present with meningismus (i.e signs of meningitis), it is still possible that she is suffering from miningitis and you will need to see a pediatrician as soon as possible.
She will require a brain CT scan, lumbar puncture and blood tests in order to confirm or rule miningitis out.
Another most likely cause of those symptoms is migraine headache. Her pediatrician needs to rule this out too.
Very rarely she could be suffering from meningeal hemorrhage (but CT should rule that out too).
Hope this helps and wish you the best.
Dr. Nsah
We use cookies in order to offer you most relevant experience and using this website you acknowledge that you have already read and understood our
Privacy Policy
Child Having Headache With Swollen Glands In Neck. Should I Be Concerned?
Brief Answer:
Viral meningitis can present as such
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting on XXXXXXX
Though very rare, but viral meningitis or meningoencephalitis can present as you have described with viral lymphadenitis. Even though she does not present with meningismus (i.e signs of meningitis), it is still possible that she is suffering from miningitis and you will need to see a pediatrician as soon as possible.
She will require a brain CT scan, lumbar puncture and blood tests in order to confirm or rule miningitis out.
Another most likely cause of those symptoms is migraine headache. Her pediatrician needs to rule this out too.
Very rarely she could be suffering from meningeal hemorrhage (but CT should rule that out too).
Hope this helps and wish you the best.
Dr. Nsah