persistent headache

I have been having this worst headache i could say, on the occipital side and  parietal side of my head, then it seems like ive developed stiff neck since it hurts when i move my head side to side. The headache awakens me in the middle of the night and its so severe like my head is gonna explode and head being pulled.  What do u think could be wrong?
thank u.

[jcverive]

How long have you had this "headache", because your symptoms are consistent with meningitis?  If this headache came on suddenly, and especially if it feels like one of the worst headaches you've ever had, I think you ought to go to an emergency room or an urgent care center to get tested and treated as soon as possible.

[Efanil]

i had the headache for like 3 days...although the good news is, i tried using icy hot and bengay on my neck and shoulders...now i dont have the headache. Was it just stress/muscle tension?
i read the menigitis (meningitis) manifestations too but i think its not...hopefully not now that i dont have the headache. thank u for the reply.

[jcverive]

I'm glad you've had success with the things you've been doing.  It is certainly possible for stress or muscle tension to cause head pains and stiffness, especially if your sleep has been disturbed.  

It's impossible to assess the severity of someone's symptoms on-line, so the following is for future reference:  If you ever experience severe headaches and neck stiffness that comes on suddenly, and if the pain is far worse than you've ever experienced, get to an emergency room or urgent care center as soon as possible (or, at the very least), call your doctor or a local hospital immediately.  If it's meningitis, you will probably require emergency care.  Best of luck!