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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Are Headaches, Fever, Stiff Neck And Body Ache Symptoms Of Viral Meningitis?

low grade fever & intense headache, stiff neck, body aches, light sensitivity started suddenly 40 hours ago. fever gone within 24 hours. but pounding headache and sore neck continue. I do have a history of headache/migraine, but this is terrible and seems to be viral since there was fever at onset. are these symptoms of viral meningitis? no vomiting, or sleepiness - can t sleep because of the head pain. Imitrex didn t help, nor did extra strength Tylenol and sudafed, in case it s sinus trouble. any other remedies out there? sinus drainage clear - no sign of infection there
Thu, 23 Aug 2018
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hello,

Viral meningitis may indeed present this way although you can never be certain about the diagnosis without a lumbar puncture. The apparent lack of fever after the first 24 hours despite the continuation of the body aches and the rest of the symptoms does not rule out meningitis because fever may be lacking altogether in up to 5% of cases and also because the painkillers may have masked the fever - you might have had fever but the painkillers eliminated it. Migraine is possible as well particularly if you have a history of migraines and you recognize the pattern of the pain. Stiff neck is not expected in migraine through but a stiff neck can only be evaluated by a doctor. So in conclusion, meningitis is possible with the symptoms you have. Therefore a visit to the ER is appropriate.

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Are Headaches, Fever, Stiff Neck And Body Ache Symptoms Of Viral Meningitis?

Hello, Viral meningitis may indeed present this way although you can never be certain about the diagnosis without a lumbar puncture. The apparent lack of fever after the first 24 hours despite the continuation of the body aches and the rest of the symptoms does not rule out meningitis because fever may be lacking altogether in up to 5% of cases and also because the painkillers may have masked the fever - you might have had fever but the painkillers eliminated it. Migraine is possible as well particularly if you have a history of migraines and you recognize the pattern of the pain. Stiff neck is not expected in migraine through but a stiff neck can only be evaluated by a doctor. So in conclusion, meningitis is possible with the symptoms you have. Therefore a visit to the ER is appropriate. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.