Do Neck Pain, Intermittent Headaches, Diarrhea And Fatigue Require Consultation?

Posted on Thu, 26 Oct 2017

Question: Hi. I just got back from Belize last Wednesday (9/27). While in Belize I started having symptoms of migraine, followed by a fever that only lasted 2 days, followed by body pains (my back and neck hurt - not shooting pains, more like aching pain). I went to see a doctor in Urgent Care as soon as my plane landed. Doctor said that I didn't have meningitis (I was concerned about that). He said that I probably picked up a viral infection but it looked like I was on the mend as I no longer had a fever or diarrhea. But that was last Wednesday. I still have back and neck pain and occasional headaches and I have had diarrhea all weekend. I also feel tired. Should I go back to Urgent Care?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it would be good to do lumbal punction

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
This is probably entero-viral infection and in most cases it should subside spontaneously, you should just take plenty of fluids and rest.
However, back and neck pain with headache is bit concerning and if fever occur then I am not sure that viral meningitis can be ruled out for sure without additional tests. So if you want to ease your minds, it would be good to see urgent care and do at least blood count, stool microbiological analysis. ANd to rule out meningitis, you should do lumbal punction in available in your urgent care department.
Wish you good health. Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T