Persistent Headaches and Lightheadedness in a 16-Year-Old
For the past six weeks, my 16-year-old son, who is typically healthy and active, has experienced ongoing headaches accompanied by bouts of lightheadedness. He doesn’t smoke, take drugs, or consume caffeine. Approximately six weeks ago, he developed a headache paired with a fever, lasting two days. Since then, the headache has lingered, with him reporting that it often starts upon waking and fluctuates throughout the day. He frequently feels dizzy, especially when bending over or moving around. Initially, the physician suspected a sinus infection and prescribed Augmentin, which should also address any risk of Lyme disease due to our location in a high-incidence area, as well as any possible infection from a nail he stepped on shortly before our visit. However, after completing the full course of antibiotics, the headaches and dizziness persisted. Upon our return to the doctor, he underwent a thorough evaluation for any indication of a concussion resulting from his lacrosse activities, though he does not remember sustaining any serious head impact. The assessment yielded no alarming results, yet he was recommended for an MRI scan of his brain, which I have now learned was normal. I’m looking for suggestions or recommendations on how to proceed from here, as my son is understandably frustrated with the ongoing symptoms, which are interfering with his sports this summer. Thank you for any advice you can provide!
Answers (1)
6/28/2025, 2:01:14 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your son's ongoing headaches and lightheadedness. This can be very frustrating, especially for an active teenager. Given his normal MRI results and previous evaluations, we can focus on a few possible non-infectious causes and ways to manage his symptoms.
Key Points
- Persistent headaches and dizziness can often stem from tension, stress, or other non-infectious factors, especially if an infection has been ruled out.
- Lifestyle factors, such as hydration, nutrition, sleep, and stress management, may play a significant role in alleviating his symptoms.
- Keeping a symptom diary can help identify triggers or patterns.
Explanation
Your son's symptoms are concerning but not uncommon in teens, especially after experiencing a recent illness. The normal MRI and thorough evaluations suggest that there may not be a serious underlying condition. However, ongoing headaches and dizziness can sometimes be caused by tension or stress, dehydration, or changes in routine that happen during the summer months.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms: Encourage your son to keep a symptom diary. Note when headaches occur, their intensity, duration, and any activities or foods that precede them. This may help identify potential triggers.
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Hydration: Ensure that he stays well-hydrated. Dehydration can often lead to headaches and dizziness. Aim for at least 6-8 glasses of water daily and more during physical activity.
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Nutrition: A balanced diet can reduce headache occurrence. Encourage regular meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
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Sleep Hygiene: Good sleep is crucial. Encourage him to maintain a consistent sleep schedule and create a calm sleeping environment, which may help reduce morning headaches.
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Stress Management: Since summer can be a break from routine, it might be valuable to include relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or even light exercises to manage stress and tension.
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Physical Activity: While he should not push himself too hard if he experiences symptoms, regular gentle activities can help improve mood and reduce headache frequency.
If these steps don’t improve his condition within a few weeks, or if new symptoms arise (such as severe headaches, vision changes, or changes in coordination), please revisit a healthcare provider for thorough reassessment. Don’t hesitate to seek further help if the frustration continues.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need additional support!
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