What Causes Severe Pain In The Spine And Headaches?

Posted on Mon, 24 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 Answered on

Mon, 14 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I woke up in the middle of the night with severe pain going up my spine and resulting in a severe headache. I immediately started vomiting, chills, shaking etc. I had the dry heaves all night and into the next evening. I was taken to the ED for dehydration and blood, urine, CT scan of my head and a test for the flu were all negative except for a UTI. I was sent home and it's been 24 hours and I'm still weak and now I have some bloody diariah . Could this have been food poisoning?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Gastroenteric tract infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

Food poisoning is a possibility, but chills and shaking may be related to fever so, an infection of gastroenteric tract ( that may be contaminated through food too) should be taken in consideration.

Bloody diarrhea may require antibiotics and a lot of liquids, electrolytes, so,it is necessary to be evaluated by your primary care Doctor and to start a more aggressive treatment.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad