Differential Diagnosis for Head Injury at Work
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Concussion: The patient's symptoms of headache and light sensitivity after a head injury, without loss of consciousness, are consistent with a concussion. This is a common injury in such scenarios and aligns with the patient's reported symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tension Headache: Given the context of a head injury, a tension headache could be a plausible diagnosis, especially if the headache is described as a band or a squeezing sensation around the forehead, though typically not associated with light sensitivity.
- Cervicogenic Headache: This could be considered if the head injury also involved a whiplash or neck injury, leading to referred pain to the head, though it might not fully explain light sensitivity.
- Post-Traumatic Migraine: Some individuals may experience migraines after a head injury, which could include symptoms like headache and light sensitivity, though typically accompanied by other migraine symptoms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subdural Hematoma or Epidural Hematoma: Although the patient denies loss of consciousness, these conditions can present with delayed symptoms and are potentially life-threatening. A head injury increases the risk, and even without immediate severe symptoms, these conditions require urgent diagnosis and treatment.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Though less likely without a report of a "thunderclap" headache, this condition is critical and can be fatal if not promptly addressed. The absence of nausea, vomiting, and severe headache does not rule it out entirely.
- Skull Fracture: Depending on the mechanism of injury, a skull fracture could occur, potentially leading to complications such as meningitis or further intracranial injury if not diagnosed and managed properly.
Rare Diagnoses
- Post-Traumatic Pituitary Dysfunction: Rarely, head injuries can affect the pituitary gland, leading to various endocrine disorders. This would be an unusual presentation and might not be immediately suspected but could be considered in the long-term follow-up if other symptoms arise.
- Traumatic Arteriovenous Fistula: This is a rare complication of head injury where an abnormal connection between arteries and veins can form, potentially leading to neurological symptoms or more severe complications if not treated.