Son having severe stabbing pains in his head

My son, who is rarely ill, has all the sudden gotten  fever, headache, severe stabbing pains in his head, sensitivity to light, dry throat, dizziness and nausea.  I thought that he had been in the sun to long and have given him ibprophen and had him take a cool bath and given him ice water to drink.  It assists the fever, but the stabbing pains remain, and are untouched by the pain meds.   This of course just had to fall on the weekend.....

[DrNavneetMD]

Hello Dear,
You should see a neurologist as soon as possible and get all neurological investigations done to evaluate the cause. Fever, headache, severe stabbing pains in his head, sensitivity to light, dry throat, dizziness and nausea suspect meningitis.Unless a complete examination is done the diagnosis and correct treatment cannot be started.
Best

[lizziecee]

As Dr Navneet suspects meningitis, I would take your son immediately to the ER room - delay in treatment can be devastating. If he has a rash, press a glass tumber against the rash, if septicaemia/meningitis, the rash will not fade and you will be able to see the rash through the glass. If this happens get medical advice immediately. It is harder to see on dark skin, so check paler areas. Remember someone who is very ill needs medical help even if they have no rash or a rash that fades.  Meningitis and septicaemia are very dangerous and can kill in hours. Meningitis means swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Septicaemia is blood poisoning caused by the same germs. They can occur together or separately.

People who are faced with meningitis and septecaemia have to act faster to save a life - a race against time. Better be safe than sorry. Please trust your instincts and Dr. Navreet's advice. Meningitis is not just an illness that typically affects babies, toddlers and college students, but anyone of any age can get men and sept.

Good luck and hope you get your son urgent treatment.
Liz.