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Are Neck Stiffness, Headache, Dizziness And Fever Symptoms Of Meningitis?
Question: 15 year old boy had stiff neck, several days later he fainted in dentist office then threw up that evening. Should he be checked
Brief Answer:
Yes - take him in to be seen.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Yes, the symptoms you described are concerning enough that he should be seen.
The most concerning scenario, meningitis, causes a stiff neck, headache, usually a fever, and the person feels generally quite ill.
Without the ability to see him in person and examine him, it is hard to say what is going on. For that reason, he should be seen and the exam should include a neurological exam, and a complete blood count (which can sometimes show if a person is dealing with a virus or bacterial infection).
It is possible the two symptoms are unrelated, particularly if the stiff neck resolve and he was symptom free until the dentist's office. It could also be that he was fighting a virus when he had the stiff neck, and it has now manifested itself, making him faint and throw up.
But given all of it together, he should be seen. If you are willing, I welcome hearing how he is doing after he is evaluated.
I hope this information helps.
Yes - take him in to be seen.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
Yes, the symptoms you described are concerning enough that he should be seen.
The most concerning scenario, meningitis, causes a stiff neck, headache, usually a fever, and the person feels generally quite ill.
Without the ability to see him in person and examine him, it is hard to say what is going on. For that reason, he should be seen and the exam should include a neurological exam, and a complete blood count (which can sometimes show if a person is dealing with a virus or bacterial infection).
It is possible the two symptoms are unrelated, particularly if the stiff neck resolve and he was symptom free until the dentist's office. It could also be that he was fighting a virus when he had the stiff neck, and it has now manifested itself, making him faint and throw up.
But given all of it together, he should be seen. If you are willing, I welcome hearing how he is doing after he is evaluated.
I hope this information helps.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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