What Causes Pain In Occipital Lymph Node While Bending?
Internist opinon, proper clinical review
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,
It might be important to get a few things for a proper understanding of your symptoms. Have you noticed any increase in the sizes of these lymph nodes, any pain when you press on them, any fever or malaise, any notion of weight loss? Have you had any recent infection around the mouth or the ears? Could are all factors that could partly explain the presence of the palpated lymph nodes, especially if they are increased in size.
It is of utmost importance also to note whether the headache started before you noticed enlarged lymph nodes, or the nodes enlarged first, and if you experience the headache only on condition that you exert pressure on these nodes.
A complete blood count to check for raised white blood cells could be indicative of infectious monoculceoisis or a bacterial infection. Lymph nodes biopsy could be needed at times to check for lymph node TB, especially if you have been experiencing night sweats, malaise and chronic fever and weight loss.
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate would measure the level of inflammation. It might necessary to know if you have had the opportunity to do an HIV test lately. vague symptoms as such are usually seen in early stages of an HIV infection.
It might be that this pain is purely unrelated to the lymph node tenderness. A careful evaluation for primary headaches like migraine, cluster and tension headaches would be most appropriate.
A complete clinical review, coupled with a notions of your past ,medical history and laboratory tests should be sufficient to orient towards an appropriate diagnosis and management.
I suggest you consult your primary care doctor/internist for a proper review. Thanks and kind regards. Please, feel free asking further questions in case of need.
DR Bain