What causes high fever and headache?
Nov 21, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
High fever and headache may result from dilation of cerebral blood vessels and increased intracranial vascular pressure, or from invasion of pathogenic microorganisms into the body causing inflammation. Inflammatory factors can disrupt the function of the body's temperature regulation center, leading to high fever. Pathogens may also invade the brain and surrounding neural tissues, causing conditions such as encephalitis or meningitis, which can result in high fever and significant headache discomfort.
Headaches accompanied by high fever may be caused by vascular dilation, bacterial or viral infections, or intracranial infections.
1. Vascular Dilation
High fever can stimulate the brain's nerves, causing cerebral blood vessels to dilate. This increases blood flow to the brain and raises pressure within the cerebral vessels, leading to headaches. Treatment typically includes taking antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen suspension or acetaminophen tablets as directed by a physician. Physical cooling methods, such as wiping the body with lukewarm water, can also help reduce body temperature.
2. Bacterial or Viral Infection
When the body is infected with pathogens such as bacteria or viruses, these microorganisms invade the body and trigger inflammation. Inflammatory factors can disrupt the function of the body's temperature regulation center, resulting in high fever. Pathogens may also invade the brain and surrounding neural tissues, causing headaches. In addition to antipyretic and analgesic treatments, anti-inflammatory therapy with antibiotics such as cefixime dispersible tablets or amoxicillin capsules—taken orally as prescribed—may be necessary. For viral infections, antiviral medications such as antiviral oral solution or acyclovir tablets may be used under medical guidance.
3. Intracranial Infection
Intracranial infections, such as encephalitis or meningitis, can also cause high fever and severe headaches.
In addition, headaches associated with high fever should raise concern for conditions like intracerebral hemorrhage, which can increase intracranial pressure and lead to headache. It is essential to determine the exact underlying cause of fever and headache to ensure appropriate treatment.
