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What Causes Headache, Neck Stiffness And Back Pain In An Elderly Woman?
Question: My 84 year old mom has been healthy and takes no drugs. However she has been refusing to get her teeth fixed and has lost a filling months ago.
This week she has been experiencing a stiff neck and back that has made her unable to turn her head much and made it hard to get out of bed. But no other flu symptoms. I am concerned. She doesn't seem particularly disoriented- at least not a few days ago.
I learned about this from my brother. Mom won't tell me if she is feeling bad and I haven't talked to her in a few days.
Should I be worried?
This week she has been experiencing a stiff neck and back that has made her unable to turn her head much and made it hard to get out of bed. But no other flu symptoms. I am concerned. She doesn't seem particularly disoriented- at least not a few days ago.
I learned about this from my brother. Mom won't tell me if she is feeling bad and I haven't talked to her in a few days.
Should I be worried?
Brief Answer:
Neck stiffness
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Headache, neck stiffness with photophobia +/_ fever are classical signs and symptoms for meningitis. Fundoscopy and CT brain can be advised if neurological examination suggests so. Lumbar puncture to do Cerebrospinal fluid examination would be required to rule out or confirm such a diagnosis. I would advise you to take her to an ER or neurology unit straight away for proper assessment and treatment.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Let me know if you have any query
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Neck stiffness
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
Headache, neck stiffness with photophobia +/_ fever are classical signs and symptoms for meningitis. Fundoscopy and CT brain can be advised if neurological examination suggests so. Lumbar puncture to do Cerebrospinal fluid examination would be required to rule out or confirm such a diagnosis. I would advise you to take her to an ER or neurology unit straight away for proper assessment and treatment.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Let me know if you have any query
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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