Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Headache With Neck Stiffness?

I HAVE HAD A SHUNT FOR 2 YEARS, I HAVE HAD A HEADACHE FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND 1/2 AND STIFF NECK I HAD A CT SCAN LAST WEEK, BUT DON T HAVE APPOINTMENT WITH MY DR. UNTIL SEPT. 16TH ANY SUGGESTIONS, MY HEAD FEELS LIKE IT S GOING TO BLOW UP. THANK YOU GERI
Wed, 17 Dec 2014
Report Abuse
Neurologist,  's  Response
Hello dear Geri,
I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist and I'd like to answer your query.You apparently had a ventriculoperitoneal(VP) shunt for past 2 years(you should have mentioned the reason for the same,over here).Now, a recent onset headache of 1 week duration with neck stiffness,in light of VP shunting,is most likely a meningeal infection(intracranial infection).You may be suffering from meningitis presently.Though,you are not having fever but a large percentage of meningitis patients may not have fever.You told about the CT scan last week-was it a plain or contrast CT?A plain CT is unlikely to detect acute meningitis and either contrast CT or contrast MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) is needed.You should immediately get to the neurological emergency,undergo a contrast brain imaging and a cerebrospinal fluid analysis to confirm the diagnosis and get the treatment started urgently.Neurosurgery opinion should be urgently sought regarding the patency of the shunt and possibility of shunt infection.If this reply helps you,please write a review at my profile link-

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ajay-panwar/69273

Also,you can ask me a query directly at the same link,if you feel so.Wish you a good health.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Headache With Neck Stiffness?

Hello dear Geri, I am Dr.Ajay Panwar,a neurologist and I d like to answer your query.You apparently had a ventriculoperitoneal(VP) shunt for past 2 years(you should have mentioned the reason for the same,over here).Now, a recent onset headache of 1 week duration with neck stiffness,in light of VP shunting,is most likely a meningeal infection(intracranial infection).You may be suffering from meningitis presently.Though,you are not having fever but a large percentage of meningitis patients may not have fever.You told about the CT scan last week-was it a plain or contrast CT?A plain CT is unlikely to detect acute meningitis and either contrast CT or contrast MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) is needed.You should immediately get to the neurological emergency,undergo a contrast brain imaging and a cerebrospinal fluid analysis to confirm the diagnosis and get the treatment started urgently.Neurosurgery opinion should be urgently sought regarding the patency of the shunt and possibility of shunt infection.If this reply helps you,please write a review at my profile link- http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ajay-panwar/69273 Also,you can ask me a query directly at the same link,if you feel so.Wish you a good health.