Differential Diagnosis for Headaches when Shaking Head
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by brief, intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements, including shaking the head. The symptoms can also include headaches due to the intense vertigo and associated neck muscle tension.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Cervicogenic Headache: These headaches are caused by referred pain from the cervical spine and can be exacerbated by movements of the head and neck, including shaking.
- Tension Headache: Tension headaches can be triggered or worsened by muscle tension in the neck and scalp, which might be affected by head movements.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause headaches that might worsen with head movements due to increased pressure and discomfort.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Although less common, a sudden and severe headache that occurs with head movement could be indicative of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
- Meningitis: Headaches associated with fever, stiff neck, and worsening with head movements could indicate meningitis, an infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
- Rare diagnoses
- Chiari Malformation: A structural defect in the cerebellum that controls balance can cause headaches that worsen with certain head movements due to increased pressure on the brainstem.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): A rare condition where there's an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, which can cause headaches that might be affected by head movements due to altered blood flow dynamics.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: While more commonly associated with jaw pain, TMJ disorders can also cause headaches that might be exacerbated by certain head movements due to the close anatomical relationship between the TMJ and the cervical spine.