30 Subtle Signs of Serious Health Issues Hiding in Plain Sight

7. Or severe headaches

Headaches are of all types. From migraines to exertional and cluster headaches, each of them has different symptoms. For instance, an intense headache could be a sign of an infection like meningitis. Almost all meningitis patients experience severe headaches.

But don’t rush diagnosing yourself using our friend Google. Doctors say that, in general, headaches associated with meningitis are also accompanied by a high fever. These two symptoms require medical attention. If meningitis doesn’t get the medical attention it needs, it could lead to permanent neurological damage; it could be fatal in some cases.

8. A stiff neck

Neck pain has many root causes. Injury, muscle strain, and even heart attack could be behind your neck pain. Take it seriously as soon as over-the-counter meds can not fulfill their purpose because extreme neck pain could also be a sign of meningitis. Since we’ve already mentioned that meningitis can be fatal, there’s no need to point out calling your doctor.

9. Clumsiness

We are not referring to those who are naturally more prone to stumbles and spilled cups of coffee on their devices, but to people who may have an underlying health condition like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Anthony Kouri, MD, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Toledo Medical Center, says that clumsiness is actually a sign of this disease. He added that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a progressive nervous system disease that damages motor neuron cells, leading to disability and sometimes death.

Bumping into things or being clumsy are the early symptoms of Lou Gehrig’s disease, so if you find yourself more stumbled than usual, talk to your doctor, especially if you’re also experiencing muscle cramps.