Differential Diagnosis for Pain on Side of Head when Chewing
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: This condition is characterized by pain in the jaw, face, and temples, which can be exacerbated by chewing. The TMJ is a complex joint that connects the jawbone to the skull, and disorders of this joint are common causes of facial pain.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Dental Problems (e.g., toothache, abscess, or impacted tooth): Dental issues can cause pain on one side of the head, especially when chewing. This pain can be sharp, dull, or throbbing and may be accompanied by sensitivity to temperature or pressure.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pain on one side of the head, which may worsen when chewing or bending forward. The pain is often accompanied by nasal congestion, discharge, and facial pressure.
- Tension Headache: Tension headaches can cause pain on one or both sides of the head, which may be triggered or worsened by chewing. This type of headache is often described as a band or a squeezing sensation around the forehead, back of the neck, or both.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Temporal Arteritis: This is an inflammation of the blood vessels in the temple area, which can cause severe, persistent pain on one side of the head. It's a medical emergency if left untreated, as it can lead to blindness or stroke.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. It can cause intense, shock-like or stabbing pain on one side of the face, which may be triggered by chewing, talking, or touching the face.
- Rare diagnoses
- Eagle Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by an elongated or calcified styloid process, which can cause pain in the face, throat, and ear, especially when chewing or swallowing.
- Occipital Neuralgia: A condition that involves irritation or injury to the occipital nerves, which can cause pain on one side of the head, often described as sharp, stabbing, or electric shock-like.