Lymph Nodes at Lower Base of Skull?

[mhslip]

I am currently suffering from some severe neck pain--constant (severe defined as never been this painful before).  Currently on the back of my skull, on the lower left side, there is a lot of pain and extreme tenderness to the touch.  It also feels enlarged, and when compared to the right side--it does feel larger.  However, there is pain on the right side as well.  I've had a headache since the pain began yesterday morning.  It's painful to even hold my head up, and it's difficult to find a comfortable resting spot.  On the right side of my neck, I can feel a very hard notch (assuming it's a lymph node).

Also, you should be aware that two days ago I had swelling and redness underneath my left eye.  The next day, the upper eyelid was also swollen.  I took some antibiotic eye drops, and for the most part the swelling has cleared.  

If you could please tell me whether the pain on my lower skull is something I should be seen for, I would appreciate it.  I am debating on driving to the ER today, since my doctor's office is not open but didn't want to pay the extra money if it's something I can wait until tomorrow for.

[Sunnyvale1]

I had horrible pain base of my skull nausea, vomiting , blurred vision felt like I was dreaming but I was awake saw three doctor one said it was the flu, the second one ran testsand found my soduim levels, and electrolytes were really low  my family doctor ordred an MRI  brain looked normal . two weeks later i had a ecoli kidney infection, I kind of wondered if the skull pain was from looking down at my new tablet instead of eye level or a possible dental infection that was discovered a week later,,,

[Malisa32]

I have horrible pain in the base of my skull on the left side. I also have nodes swollen in my neck and the base of my skull on both side and behind my ears! My joints hurt, and my hands hurt. I have pain in my spine and lower back. My neck hurts so bad. I am getting headaches and I just feel weak and tired all the time. I was hoping you could tell me what it could be. I took 7 days of bactrim but no relief. And then I took another 7 days but still no relief!

[nyan310]

I have pain to the back of my skull, it started on the left side and then to the right where it is very painful.  I am even experiencing blur vision.  I also have extreme pain in my neck radiating down to my upper back between my shoulder blades, my arms, down to my lower back. When I am walking my lower back would often lock up on me and I am unable to take another step.. if I do the pain is extreme.  In the morning when I get out of bed my toe on my right foot will be numb when I start to walk it even happens unexpected.  I will feel numbness in my face, my arms, my feet. I am worried.  Can anyone offer me some advice,

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
There are many lymph nodes in the head and neck area.  The scalp lymphatics drain to the preauricular (before the ear opening, sideburn area ), postauricular (behind the ears), and posterior cervical (near the back of the neck) lymph nodes.
Infection is the most common cause of palpable and tender lymph nodes in those areas.  There are times that even when the infection is resolved, the lymph nodes are still palpable.
It would be hard to tell exactly what's going on with you without the benefit of a good physical examination.  A consult with your doctor is advisable.  
Good luck.

[mhslip]

I've had no recent trauma to the neck.  I did see my chiropractor two days ago for help with the release of tension in my sinuses that I felt might be from the swelling in my eye.  However, it's not my first visit to the chiropractor and there was no harsh adjustment.  I've never experienced any bruising from chiropractic care (10+ years now in experience with adjustments).
Are there any lymph nodes located in the skull or just in the neck?  Why would the right lymph node in my neck be hard and swollen but not the left where the majority of the pain is?

Thank you!

[Dennis MD]

Hi.
Any history of recent trauma near the neck?
Any numbness or weakness of the face and extremities?
It would be best to have yourself seen and examined at the ER since you are currently experiencing severe pain, and thus proper management can be given.