Differential Diagnosis for Headaches after MVA
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Post-traumatic headache: This is the most common cause of headaches after a motor vehicle accident (MVA), often resulting from the physical trauma to the head or neck.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervicogenic headache: Whiplash or neck injury from the MVA can lead to referred pain to the head, causing headaches.
- Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury: Even if the patient did not lose consciousness, a concussion can cause headaches, among other symptoms.
- Tension headache: The stress and anxiety following an MVA can trigger or exacerbate tension headaches.
- Sinus headache: If the MVA caused facial trauma, it could lead to sinusitis or other sinus issues, resulting in headaches.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage or other intracranial hemorrhage: Although less common, these conditions can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
- Epidural or subdural hematoma: These are serious conditions that can arise from head trauma and may present with delayed onset of symptoms, including headaches.
- Cervical spine fracture or instability: A neck injury from the MVA could lead to cervical spine instability, which might cause headaches due to the mechanical stress on the spine.
- Carotid or vertebral artery dissection: These vascular injuries can occur due to the trauma and may present with headaches, among other symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Post-traumatic migraine: While migraines can occur after an MVA, they are less common than other types of headaches in this context.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: If the MVA caused jaw trauma, it could lead to TMJ issues, which might result in headaches.
- Occipital neuralgia: This condition involves irritation of the occipital nerves and can cause headaches, although it is relatively rare after an MVA.