Headache and vomiting no fever
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Headache and Vomiting Without Fever: Potential Causes and Considerations
Headache and vomiting are common symptoms that can arise from a variety of medical conditions. When these symptoms occur without an accompanying fever, it can narrow down the potential causes. Below, we explore some of the possible conditions that could lead to headache and vomiting without fever, based on recent research findings.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)
Symptoms and Characteristics
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea, vomiting, and lethargy. These episodes can last from an hour to 10 days and may occur several times per hour, leading to significant dehydration. Additional symptoms often include headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and increased sensitivity to light (photophobia) or sound (phonophobia)1 4 7. Although fever can be a symptom, it is not always present in every episode.
Impact on Daily Life
The debilitating nature of CVS can severely impact an individual's ability to perform daily activities, including attending work or school. The consistency of symptoms in each attack makes it a recognizable pattern for those affected1 4 7.
Secondary Headache in Children
Common Causes
In pediatric cases, secondary headaches can arise from various conditions, including viral illnesses, migraines, and trauma. While fever is a common symptom of many infections, headaches without fever are also frequently observed in general pediatric clinics9.
Diagnostic Considerations
When a child presents with headache and vomiting, it is crucial to consider other symptoms and perform necessary diagnostic tests. Neuroimaging is recommended if there are abnormal neurological findings, an atypical headache pattern, or significant changes in preexisting headaches. Serious conditions such as brain tumors or intracranial hemorrhages, although rare, should be ruled out promptly due to their urgency9.
Other Potential Conditions
Malaria and Travel-Related Infections
In cases where individuals have traveled to regions where malaria is endemic, symptoms such as headache and vomiting can be indicative of malaria, even in the absence of fever. A case study of a 46-year-old man with stable HIV and hepatitis C virus chronic infection highlighted these symptoms following a trip to Cameroon, emphasizing the need for considering travel history in the diagnostic process3.
Gastrointestinal and Urinary Infections
Gastrointestinal and urinary infections can also present with headache and vomiting. For instance, a nine-year-old girl with prolonged fever, headache, and vomiting was initially diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis, but further investigation revealed a urinary tract infection caused by Escherichia coli6. Although fever was present in this case, it underscores the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluations.
Conclusion
Headache and vomiting without fever can be symptoms of various medical conditions, ranging from Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome to secondary headaches in children and travel-related infections. Accurate diagnosis requires careful consideration of the patient's history, symptom patterns, and appropriate diagnostic tests. Understanding these potential causes can aid in timely and effective treatment, improving patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) causes episodes of nausea, vomiting, and lethargy lasting from an hour to 10 days, with potential dehydration and other symptoms.
Prolonged Pyrexia and Hepatitis: Q fever
A fever of unknown origin is a diagnostic dilemma, with no clear cause identified in this case study.
Case ReportPeripheral hemophagocytosis in malaria infection.
![Figure][1] A 46-year-old man with stable HIV and hepatitis C virus chronic infection was seen for unexplained fever, headache, and vomiting after a trip to Cameroon. There were no significant physical findings. Complete blood count showed marked thrombocytopenia (28 × 109/L) and normal
Case ReportCyclic Vomiting Syndrome
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVP) is a chronic condition characterized by episodes of nausea, vomiting, and lethargy lasting from an hour to 10 days.
A 36‐year‐old man with headache and fever
Work-related solvent exposure can cause acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, which can be treated with immunoglobulin therapy, but rapid decline and death are common.
Case ReportCase 2: A nine-year-old girl with prolonged fever and headache.
A nine-year-old girl with prolonged fevers, vomiting, and headaches was diagnosed with a rare form of pyelonephritis, requiring further investigation.
Case ReportCyclic Vomiting Syndrome: 985
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) is a debilitating condition characterized by episodes of nausea, vomiting, and lethargy lasting from an hour to 10 days, with potential complications like dehydration and increased sensitivity to light and sound.
Rigorous JournalCase 11-2009: A 47-Year-Old Man with Fever, Headache, Rash, and Vomiting
A 47-year-old man with fever, headache, rash, and vomiting was diagnosed with a viral infection and treated with vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and acyclovir.
Case Report[Secondary headache in children].
Secondary headaches in children are often caused by extracranial infections, migraines, and trauma, and should be evaluated for serious underlying diseases using neuroimaging.
Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever in Eurasia.
CCHF is a serious public health threat in Eurasia, affecting populations in endemic rural areas and healthcare workers, with significant mortality rates.
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