Suggest Treatment For Swollen Parotid Gland And Headaches
If the headache is severe, visit the ER...
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Mumps is caused by a virus which has potential to affect brain and meninges. I would consider this as a priority:
1. If the headache doesn't respond well to local pain treatment.
2. Headache is persistent
3. If you have history of nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity.
However given the fact the headache is presently debilitating, I will encourage you to visit the ER. The first and foremost management will be to control headache. Therefore at the ER you will first receive better pain medications to control pain. You will also receive blood tests and may be a CT / MRI scan. Lumbar puncture may not be the first line of evaluation after all. Therefore do not hold yourself from going to the ER just because you are terrified of getting a lumbar puncture.
Meningococcal vaccine and the commonly prescribed antibiotic doesn't cause such debilitation headaches. The headache can be an associated symptoms of infection. Therefore trying local pain reducing measures will be the first option.
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.
Regards