Differential Diagnosis for Head Pain at Base of Skull Radiating to the Jaw
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache and can cause pain at the base of the skull that radiates to the jaw, often due to muscle tension.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: The TMJ is located near the base of the skull and jaw, and disorders of this joint can cause pain in these areas.
- Cervicogenic headache: This type of headache is caused by referred pain from the cervical spine and can cause pain at the base of the skull that radiates to the jaw.
- Occipital neuralgia: This condition involves inflammation of the occipital nerve, which can cause pain at the base of the skull that radiates to the jaw.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Although rare, a subarachnoid hemorrhage can cause sudden, severe headache and is a medical emergency.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges can cause severe headache, including pain at the base of the skull, and is a medical emergency.
- Giant cell arteritis: This condition can cause headache, including pain at the base of the skull, and can lead to vision loss if not treated promptly.
- Rare diagnoses
- Eagle syndrome: This condition involves an elongated styloid process that can cause pain at the base of the skull and jaw.
- Atlantoaxial subluxation: This condition involves instability of the cervical spine and can cause pain at the base of the skull that radiates to the jaw.
- Neoplasm (e.g. tumor): Although rare, a tumor at the base of the skull or in the jaw can cause pain in these areas.