Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Persistent Headaches
Question: headache everyday take codine and sleep it off.tired all the time sleep 18 20 hours a day. drink water by the gallons I don't void out much. have the chills everyday.
Brief Answer:
Recommendations:
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
You sound pretty sick.
Of course I am going to tell you to go in to be seen by a doctor. But here are my thoughts on what should be looked into:
A history and physical to make sure there aren't obvious causes such as symptoms associated with migraines, sinusitis, and other causes.
Next are tests:
1. A complete blood count with differential: I would be looking for signs of infection (elevated neutrophils or lymphocytes). An infection could cause chills and headache.
2. Full chemistry panel to include electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and kidney function (BUN, Creatinine). Excess fluid intake can cause hyponatremia (low sodium) and both can cause headaches. Kidney problems can cause these things too.
3. Fasting blood sugar and A1C to make sure there isn't hyperglycemia. High blood sugar can cause your symptoms.
4. Urinalysis to check for bacteria (for infection); also amount of dilution, and ketones (can go with diabetes).
5. If these don't give adequate information, would get imaging of the head (MRI or CT scan). Sometime an abnormality with the pituitary/hypothalamus in the brain can cause excessive thirst, and headaches. This would be rare, but if there is no other information when the doctor takes your history, does an exam and labs, then brain imaging is the next step.
I hope this information helps. I welcome a follow up from you after you have gone in to your doctor and been evaluated.
Recommendations:
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
You sound pretty sick.
Of course I am going to tell you to go in to be seen by a doctor. But here are my thoughts on what should be looked into:
A history and physical to make sure there aren't obvious causes such as symptoms associated with migraines, sinusitis, and other causes.
Next are tests:
1. A complete blood count with differential: I would be looking for signs of infection (elevated neutrophils or lymphocytes). An infection could cause chills and headache.
2. Full chemistry panel to include electrolytes (sodium and potassium) and kidney function (BUN, Creatinine). Excess fluid intake can cause hyponatremia (low sodium) and both can cause headaches. Kidney problems can cause these things too.
3. Fasting blood sugar and A1C to make sure there isn't hyperglycemia. High blood sugar can cause your symptoms.
4. Urinalysis to check for bacteria (for infection); also amount of dilution, and ketones (can go with diabetes).
5. If these don't give adequate information, would get imaging of the head (MRI or CT scan). Sometime an abnormality with the pituitary/hypothalamus in the brain can cause excessive thirst, and headaches. This would be rare, but if there is no other information when the doctor takes your history, does an exam and labs, then brain imaging is the next step.
I hope this information helps. I welcome a follow up from you after you have gone in to your doctor and been evaluated.
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
