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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Persistent Headache After A Fever And Neck Pain, Despite The Fever Decreasing And Neck Pain Subsiding?

22 year old man. 3 days ago I woke up with a very strong fever, that went up to 40 degrees Celsius and I also started suffering from diarrhea, but I had no other symptoms whatsoever except for a light headache. today when I woke up I had a very strong neck pain, probably caused by the fact that I stayed in bed for 2 days straight, but I also had this annoying headache whenever I got out of bed or whenever I bend down. the neck pain is gone, fever is down to 37.7, but the headache is still there. should I worry?
posted on Fri, 25 Aug 2023
Twitter Sun, 27 Jul 2025 Answered on
Twitter Sun, 3 Aug 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Your symptoms are indicative of viral gastroenteritis with post-viral fatigue and dehydration, as you have suffered from diarrhea and fever. You are having muscle stiffness from lying in bed for a long time or poor posture in bed. Even though fever is down and neck pain improved, headache with positional worsening (bending forward, standing up) could suggest meningeal irritation.

It can get worse or life-threatening with neglect; you are advised to get clinically examined by a GP to detect or rule out meningitis (viral or bacterial) or encephalitis, as fever with neck stiffness and headache are classic signs. Get blood work and a neurological exam done at the earliest. If meningitis is suspected, your treating doctor will tell you to get a lumbar puncture done.

Get all required tests done so that treatment can be started at the earliest. Keep yourself adequately hydrated. To rule out anything serious like viral meningitis or complications from dehydration, go to the ER today itself.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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What Causes Persistent Headache After A Fever And Neck Pain, Despite The Fever Decreasing And Neck Pain Subsiding?

Hello, Your symptoms are indicative of viral gastroenteritis with post-viral fatigue and dehydration, as you have suffered from diarrhea and fever. You are having muscle stiffness from lying in bed for a long time or poor posture in bed. Even though fever is down and neck pain improved, headache with positional worsening (bending forward, standing up) could suggest meningeal irritation. It can get worse or life-threatening with neglect; you are advised to get clinically examined by a GP to detect or rule out meningitis (viral or bacterial) or encephalitis, as fever with neck stiffness and headache are classic signs. Get blood work and a neurological exam done at the earliest. If meningitis is suspected, your treating doctor will tell you to get a lumbar puncture done. Get all required tests done so that treatment can be started at the earliest. Keep yourself adequately hydrated. To rule out anything serious like viral meningitis or complications from dehydration, go to the ER today itself. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr Nupur K., General & Family Physician