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Suggest Treatment For Severe Headaches And Nausea

Posted on Tue, 19 May 2015

Question: My sister is in the ER with severe headache and nausea. Has has mild headaches over the last 2 weeks. Her BP is slightly elevated. CT scan is normal. They want to do a spinal tap to check for infection. What do you think?

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Spinal tap is not required, please upload more information

Detailed Answer:
Hello
I share your concern for your sister
Headache with Nausea doesn't need spinal tap in all the cases

At the outset your doctor supposed to establish a probable diagnosis based on history and clinical findings
This could be a Migraine, tension headache or vascular headache or infection like meningitis.

I would lek further information to help you in best possible way
Is she running fever or having vomiting
is there history of weight loss or altered consciousness?
Nature and site of pain?

You an give her acetaminophen and domperidone for symptomatic relief
Try to identify the trigger for headache and avoid exposure.
Ask her to relax
Relaxation exercises and meditation will definitely help her.

waiting for your response
Best wishes

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (34 minutes later)

The pain is located at the top frontal area. She doesn't have fever but did vomit. They are trying to rule out Meningitis.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If meningitis is suspected, than spinal tap is indicated.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your reply
Pain in frontal area with history of vomiting and all other normal reports, Meningitis can be suspected only after ruling out other conditions.

I would like to know, is there any history of altered consciousness?
Type of pain (does it relieve with acetaminophen?)

If meningitis is suspected by your doctor than spinal tap is indicated

Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (1 hour later)

There's no history of altered consciousness. OTC meds do provide relief but the headaches are frequent. Today the pain was a lot more intense. She was dehydrated and fatigued but felt better after receiving hydration. She ate a light breakfast, worked through lunch and had nothing else to eat all day.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Meningitis is less likely, this could be due to high blood pressure

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for your reply
Chances of meningitis is less likely. However spinal tap is necessary to 100% rule out meningitis.

This could be due to elevated blood pressure. Hope your doctor have ruled blood pressure changes related headache.

Thanks for using our services
Please don't hesitate to ask for more assistance
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (35 minutes later)

Okay, thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. BR Hudda (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Your welcome

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thank you so much for choosing health care magic
We are always there to help you out in best possible way
Please feel free to ask for any health related issue
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad