Am I Experiencing Meningitis Symptoms?
Profile: 24-year-old female, 5 feet tall, 100 pounds. On August 26th, I visited an urgent care facility due to a sore throat, a dry cough, and persistent fatigue. The diagnosis I received was strep throat, for which I was prescribed 500 mg of amoxicillin to be taken twice daily for a duration of ten days. Throughout the course of my treatment, I returned to urgent care several times, as my condition was not improving; in fact, I felt increasingly unwell. Initially, my cough evolved from dry to productive, coupled with wheezing in my chest, especially at night. Each time, healthcare providers advised me to complete the antibiotic course before revisiting the issue. Having finished the antibiotics just two days ago, I noticed an improvement in my sore throat, but other troubling symptoms persist: a productive cough, mild chest discomfort, nasal congestion, recurring nosebleeds, sinus pressure behind my eyes, and a headache I experienced yesterday. More concerning is the increasing pain in my neck, which began when I woke up yesterday. I initially presumed it was due to my sleeping position, as I had been using extra pillows to prop myself up. However, the discomfort has intensified. The pain is primarily localized on the left side at the upper back of my neck, near the hairline. It has become difficult to remain still, and any movement of my head—whether side to side or up and down—elicits sharp pangs of pain.
Answers (1)
9/7/2025, 9:30:52 AM
OpenHealth AI
You’re experiencing a combination of symptoms that warrant careful attention, especially with the recent neck pain and history of a respiratory infection. The persistence of your cough, along with new symptoms like neck pain and headaches, raises concerns that should not be overlooked.
Explanation: Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Typically, common symptoms include a severe headache, stiff neck, fever, sensitivity to light, and altered mental status. While you are experiencing neck pain, other typical signs such as fever and sensitivity to light are not mentioned in your description. However, your symptoms following a recent respiratory infection do suggest you might have another condition, such as a sinus infection or viral illness, which can cause headaches and neck discomfort due to muscle strain or irritation.
The sharp neck pain, especially, could indicate muscular tension from the position you’ve been sleeping in, alongside possible inflammation from your recent illness. However, the combination of headache, neck pain, and your ongoing respiratory symptoms should be assessed carefully.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. If you develop a fever, confusion, or if the neck pain becomes unbearable or is accompanied by more severe headaches, this would be an emergency situation requiring immediate attention.
-
Pain Management: For neck pain, consider over-the-counter pain relief such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the dosage instructions on the package. Gentle neck stretches can also help release muscle tension.
-
Hydration and Rest: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids and getting enough rest, which can aid the healing process.
-
Seek Further Assessment: If your neck pain persists, worsens, or new symptoms arise, it’s important to revisit a healthcare professional. Ensure you mention the entire spectrum of your symptoms, including the history of your strep throat, respiratory issues, and the recent onset of neck pain.
-
Consider a Symptom Diary: Keeping track of your symptoms—including when they started, their intensity, and any changes—will also be valuable information for healthcare providers if you need to seek further help.
Please take these concerns seriously and prioritize your health, especially given the complexity of your symptoms. Let me know if you have any more questions or need further clarification.
Related Questions
Questions About Follow-Up Pain Management After Sebaceous Cyst Drainage
I’m a 26-year-old male who recently had a sebaceous cyst drained by my physician. The cyst, located on my back, was treated through an incision and drainage procedure by my general practitioner. Although she administered a local anesthetic to alleviate discomfort, I still experienced significant pain during the procedure. Afterward, she packed the wound to aid in recovery. Today, I returned for a follow-up appointment, where the medical staff cleaned and redressed the wound. However, this was done without any form of anesthetic. When I inquired about the availability of pain relief, the hospital informed me that anesthetics are not standard for follow-up treatments. I found the pain to be unbearable. Is this common practice? Am I able to request some form of pain management during these follow-up visits? I have a very low tolerance for pain, and this experience has been among the most excruciating I’ve faced.
Considering the Transition from Pill-in-Pocket Flecainide to Daily Use for Atrial Fibrillation
Greetings! I’m a 65-year-old male currently prescribed 95 mg of metoprolol CR, 20 mg of quinapril, and 100 mg of aspirin on a daily basis. I also use 300 mg of flecainide as needed for my atrial fibrillation episodes. For the past 12 years, I have experienced atrial fibrillation paired with rapid ventricular response. Whenever these episodes occur, I take the 300 mg flecainide pill, which typically resolves the arrhythmia within a timeframe of one to six hours. In addition, I have a condition known as Muir-Torre Syndrome due to a mutation in the MLH1 gene, and I maintain a regimen of 100 mg of aspirin. This is based on preliminary research suggesting that a daily dose of aspirin may lower the risk of colon cancer, a condition I have faced twice. My cardiologist is cautious about incorporating rivaroxaban into my treatment plan alongside aspirin. Instead, he focuses on maintaining rhythm control aggressively. My inquiry is regarding the appropriate time to transition from using flecainide on an as-needed basis to a daily regimen with the hope of preventing future atrial fibrillation episodes. Recently, I have experienced two episodes within a two-week period; however, I have a history of similar occurrences that were followed by 2-3 months without any incidents. I manage the flecainide well and, according to my last echocardiogram in July 2025, I have a structurally normal heart.
Concerns About SVT?
I am a 33-year-old woman with a medical history that includes multiple disc herniations ranging from cervical to lumbar levels, fibromyalgia, a horseshoe kidney, chronic kidney stones, and occasional premature atrial contractions (PACs). I also experience an anxiety attack roughly once a year. Today, I’m feeling a bit unsettled and am seeking some guidance regarding a recent experience that’s been troubling me. This morning, I awoke with significant discomfort in my left arm, which I initially attributed to a fibromyalgia flare-up. Then, I felt exceptionally fatigued and took a nap, during which I also noticed shoulder pain on the same side. Later in the evening, after putting my children to bed, I was watching television when I began to feel unusually tired and was preparing to head to bed soon. It was then that I suddenly experienced a sudden, tight sensation in my chest, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat. I also felt slightly lightheaded, and my legs started to tremble. Initially, I assumed it might be a panic attack, so I tried splashing water on my face and coughed forcefully in an attempt to regain control. I decided to check my pulse using my Apple Watch, which registered 180 beats per minute. At that moment, my hands felt entirely numb as if circulation had been cut off. I bent over, resting my head between my knees while practicing deep breathing. This unsettling episode lasted for approximately five minutes before my heart rate gradually dropped to about 100. Now, about 20 minutes have passed, and I still feel a bit jittery. I typically experience heart palpitations around 30 times a day and have worn Holter monitors several times, with a normal echocardiogram performed about three years ago. Years ago, during labor, I felt dizzy and was rushed by medical staff when my fetal monitor indicated atrial fibrillation. A cardiologist I consulted afterward reassured me due to my youth and overall health. Given my current symptoms, I’m questioning whether this is a medical emergency. Should I head to the hospital, or can I simply schedule an appointment with my physician? A close friend who is a nurse suggested that it could be supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). I am currently home alone with my two sons, ages 5 and 7, who are sound asleep, while my husband is at work an hour away. I’m feeling a bit anxious about going to sleep. Lastly, I’d like to mention that over the past month, I’ve been experiencing persistent dizziness when transitioning from sitting to standing, often seeing stars or black spots for a couple of minutes. Additionally, I’ve been suffering from severe heartburn for the last three months, if that is relevant. For medication, I take Saxenda at 1.8 mg once daily and Oxyneo at 15 mg extended release every 12 hours. I also use medical cannabis one to two times a day on most days.
Understanding My Symptoms: Seeking Clarity on Possible Diagnoses
Hello, everyone, I appreciate you taking the time to read and provide your insights. While I recognize that this is not a substitute for professional medical advice, I would be grateful for any informed opinions, guidance, or general knowledge you can share. Here's a bit about my situation: I’m a 44-year-old female experiencing a range of perplexing symptoms, which seem to appear randomly. Some of these include: - Instances of memory loss where I forget recent actions or lose track of what I was doing. - My ability to concentrate fluctuates significantly; I can be overly focused at times, while at other moments my thoughts drift, often without my awareness until I realize I’ve missed crucial information. - I struggle to retain information, leading to misunderstandings in my everyday interactions; I’ve been accused of failing to follow through on plans, even though I believed I was in agreement with the other person—this has left me feeling disoriented and confused about reality. - Occasionally, my hearing feels impaired. - My vision sometimes deteriorates suddenly, presenting as blurriness or a grayish shadow, along with occasional issues with depth perception. - I've noticed a certain clumsiness and a rigid walking style, accompanied by stiffness, particularly after waking up, but it can also occur sporadically throughout the day. - Sensory misperceptions have occurred, wherein I confuse hot and cold sensations. - I experience numbness and tingling in my limbs sometimes. - Pressure that should be soothing, such as a gentle massage on my thighs or lower back, can result in severe discomfort or feels bruised. - I suffer from headaches, which can be intense at times. - For several years, I’ve dealt with nausea that arises if I move too quickly upon waking, often resulting in dry heaving. Initially, I thought it was related to blood sugar, but it resembles symptoms of motion sickness. - Recently, I’ve experienced a few troubling episodes of choking on my saliva, seemingly without warning. - My most recent medical assessment indicated abnormal reflexes. - I often feel nerve-like shocks in my left pinky toe that can radiate up to my ankle, as well as similar sensations in my right thumb. - Occasionally, I hear ocean-like noises in my ears, which can come with ringing or a sudden pressure that temporarily obstructs sound in one ear. After discussing my symptoms, I requested a Nerve Conduction Test, but my provider opted for an MRI with and without contrast. The results indicated: **IMPRESSION:** 1. No acute cerebral infarct, hemorrhage, or mass effect. 2. Scattered mild foci exhibiting T2 hyperintensity in white matter suggestive of chronic microvascular ischemic disease, though this is more pronounced than expected for my age. There is less likelihood of a demyelinating condition based on these results. Further evaluation for vascular conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), is recommended. **EXAMINATION:** MRI imaging of the brain was performed with and without the contrast agent gadobutrol. Circumstantial history includes abnormal reflexes and sudden vision impairment, raising concerns for a demyelinating condition or an intracranial mass. **FINDINGS:** No diffusion restrictions indicative of an acute infarct were found, though there are signs of microvascular ischemic changes in the white matter. No other concerning abnormalities were observed in the ventricles, sulci, or other structures. Additionally, my lab tests returned “normal” results, indicating no signs of SLE, autoimmunity, or inflammation. My prevailing diagnosis is Small Vessel Disease, and I have been referred to a specialist neurologist due to significant MRI findings and my current symptoms. Notably, my blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar are all within healthy ranges. I'm seeking your input on whether these symptoms might point to anything beyond what I've been diagnosed with. Do you have suggestions for questions I should pose to my neurologist? Am I unreasonable in considering a spinal MRI to rule out multiple sclerosis, despite indications from the radiologist and my provider suggesting it’s less likely? In the context of my diagnosis, how would you classify the severity of these symptoms—are they mild, moderate, or severe, and are they typical based on what I’ve described? Thank you for your valuable feedback; it means a lot to me.
Auditory Hallucinations: Investigating the Role of Prednisone or Mental Health Issues
Summary: A 65-year-old female patient, with a medical history of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, has been treated with prednisone (initially at 60 mg, then reduced to 40 mg) for temporal arteritis. Recently, she has been experiencing auditory hallucinations and increasing paranoia for a duration of two months, with a significant escalation over the last three. She has documented instances of hiding with weapons during the night, hearing voices commanding her to assume various positions until morning, and imagining a protective figure named “Kennedy.” She continues to fear arrest while hospitalized. An MRI of her brain appears mostly normal; however, psychiatric evaluation noted possible contributing factors, while her rheumatologist attributes the symptoms to prednisone. Currently, she is being treated with risperidone (dosage increased), showing slight improvement yet still encountering hallucinations, with potential discharge forthcoming. --- My mother, aged 65, has been diagnosed with lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. She was prescribed a high dosage of prednisone, starting at 60 mg for her temporal arteritis, and has since been reduced to 40 mg. Approximately two months ago, she began expressing that she hears voices, marking the first time she has discussed this phenomenon. Over the last three months, her condition has deteriorated, manifesting alarming symptoms including paranoia, emotional flatness, substantial weight loss of over 30 pounds, and notable behavioral shifts. She has been maintaining a journal, and some of her entries are deeply concerning. In various entries, she recounts incidents of concealing herself with a hammer and knives out of fear. She writes of hearing voices urging her to be cautious of supposed cultists outside her door, commanding her to “get down NOW” and to reposition herself continuously until morning arrives. She also claims to perceive persistent sounds outside her room. Additionally, her journal includes mentions of an individual named “Kennedy,” who she conceptualizes as a protector. Her handwriting displays significant variations throughout her writings. Even while admitted to the hospital, she retains the belief that she is on the brink of being arrested. Upon her admission to the hospital initiated through a court order related to mental health, the focus was on her medical status rather than psychiatric issues. The neurologist reviewed her MRI and deemed it largely normal. In contrast, a psychiatrist assessed the MRI, indicated possible "factors at play," and suggested that psychiatric elements might also be in effect. Both specialists have proposed that reducing her prednisone might alleviate, if not fully eliminate, the hallucinations in the upcoming weeks, while her rheumatologist attributes the symptoms to the steroid treatment. While hospitalized, she has begun a regimen of risperidone, with adjustments to the dosage already made. She reports feeling a bit better, though she is still experiencing daily auditory hallucinations and is on high alert. Nonetheless, physicians mentioned the possibility of her discharge as soon as Monday or Tuesday. We conveyed to the medical team that these issues aren’t entirely new; she has had a history of being somewhat “different,” but the severity of her symptoms has intensified in the past three months. It's important to note that these symptoms began before prednisone treatment, albeit the degree of severity is new. Inquiries: - What is the typical time frame for improvement in symptoms if they are indeed related to steroid use following a tapering process? - Is it common practice to consider discharging a patient who is still presenting with hallucinations, paranoia, and has documented engaging in unsafe behaviors such as arming herself at night? - Is risperidone a standard choice for addressing hallucinations attributed to prednisone, or could there be an underlying psychiatric rationale for its use in this case?