Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck area are commonly seen and in most cases, if there are no other symptoms, it doesn’t indicate any disease. Headache is a nonspecific sign, however, if there are additional symptoms such as fever, rapid growth of node, cough, weight loss, or excessive swelling then this may be something pathological and require treatment. In these cases, it is most commonly caused by some sort of infection. The most common cause of swollen lymph nodes is an infection, particularly a viral infection, such as the common cold. Other possible causes of swollen lymph nodes include strep throat, measles, ear infections, infected (abscessed) tooth, and mononucleosis. Mononucleosis is the commonest among the young people and this should be ruled out first. Then it can be treated with antibiotics or other medications depending on the established cause. He should drink more fluids, take Ibuprofen, and rest as much as possible till symptoms persist. In doubtful cases, lymph node biopsy can be taken but I don’t think this is necessary at this point. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Ivan R. Rommstein