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What Causes Extreme Headaches And A Bad Sore Throat That Worsens At Night?
Question: Hello doctor,
For the last few months, I have been waking up from extreme headaches and a bad sore throat. I seem to feel better upon waking and getting out of bed but I am aware that there is a dull headache and sore throat at bay... just gets really bad when I sleep and wake up. I wouldn’t be concerned and would have assumed it was a harmless virus but it has been going on for months now. I don’t believe it is related to depression/ anxiety which I am treated well for and feel better with time and medication. Thank you for your esteemed diagnosis and suggestions.
For the last few months, I have been waking up from extreme headaches and a bad sore throat. I seem to feel better upon waking and getting out of bed but I am aware that there is a dull headache and sore throat at bay... just gets really bad when I sleep and wake up. I wouldn’t be concerned and would have assumed it was a harmless virus but it has been going on for months now. I don’t believe it is related to depression/ anxiety which I am treated well for and feel better with time and medication. Thank you for your esteemed diagnosis and suggestions.
Brief Answer:
investigation is required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
chronic headache that wakes the patient up and gets better as the patient gets out of bed is one of the 'red flags' that raises concerns about the cause. A CT scan of the head is recommended. Other 'red flags' include the appearance of neurological findings or symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivitiy to light or sounds and neurological deficits (like localized weakness).
Anxiety and depression and even the treatment itself may be the cause as well. Since there is no way to make sure that these causes apply - unless other causes can be reasonably excluded - you'd better proceed with the CT scan anyway.
Migraine, sinusitis and other common causes do not sound very likely with the kind of presentation but they should be excluded as well.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
investigation is required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
chronic headache that wakes the patient up and gets better as the patient gets out of bed is one of the 'red flags' that raises concerns about the cause. A CT scan of the head is recommended. Other 'red flags' include the appearance of neurological findings or symptoms like nausea, vomiting, sensitivitiy to light or sounds and neurological deficits (like localized weakness).
Anxiety and depression and even the treatment itself may be the cause as well. Since there is no way to make sure that these causes apply - unless other causes can be reasonably excluded - you'd better proceed with the CT scan anyway.
Migraine, sinusitis and other common causes do not sound very likely with the kind of presentation but they should be excluded as well.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
Kind Regards!
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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