Headaches with Visual Disturbances/Hallucinations, Back of Neck Swelling, Nausea, and Fever

Hi,

I am a 45 year old woman with a history of very occasional migraines. For the past two weeks or so, I have been suffering from headaches that occur mainly in the mornings and evenings. On occasion, perhaps four times a week or so, these were accompanied by visual disturbances. Prior to this, these disturbances would occur on a frequency of perhaps once a week but with no headaches.

However, two days ago, I woke with yet another headache that rapidly worsened. There were no throbbing sensations, just a headache that could be described as a caffeine-withdrawal type of headache (I've had those before). As the headache worsened, I experienced much stronger visual disturbances. These are very difficult to describe as they seem like they should be more like hallucinations than the typical flashing lights and zig-zag patterns of an aura (have had these on occasion). These seemed as though they were full blown scenes from dreams or daydreams I have had, and each time they came (a good four or five times an hour), I was struck with severe nausea with no vomiting. I also experienced light and sound sensitivities as I have had with migraines in the past.

I've only ever had perhaps one migraine every year or two, so this was particularly strange and rather frightening, bar feeling like my head was going to explode. The headache failed to respond to 1,200 mg of ibuprofen (taken as 800mg then an additional 400mg).

As the headache progressed, I also experienced bouts of sweats or heat sensations as well as a pronounced swelling at the back of my neck. When this first happened three years ago--and nowhere near as severe--my GP diagnosed me with sudden onset cervical OA and prescribed diclofenac. This resolved itself, the swelling subsided, and I haven't had issues with it since. At the time, my GP didn't seem concerned about the visual disturbances.

I'm currently taking only diclofenac, 50 mg tid. Nothing unusual has taken place that might be acting as a trigger.

I would gratefully appreciate any insight and advice you can offer.

Lee