Differential Diagnosis for Dull Ache at Back of Head, Jaw, Side of Head, and Deep in Eye

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache and is often described as a dull ache or pressure around the head, including the back of the head, sides, and even affecting the eyes. The involvement of the jaw could be related to tension in the jaw muscles.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Migraine: Although typically more severe and often one-sided, migraines can present with a dull ache and involve the eye. They can also be associated with jaw pain due to referred pain.
  • Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Given the jaw involvement, TMJ disorder is a plausible diagnosis. It can cause pain in the jaw, side of the head, and even refer pain to the eye.
  • Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pain in the face, including the eyes and the sides of the head, which might be perceived as a dull ache.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Although rare, a sudden and severe headache (often described as "the worst headache" of one's life) can be a sign of a subarachnoid hemorrhage. The pain can be at the back of the head and might involve the eye.
  • Giant Cell Arteritis: This condition can cause severe headaches, often on one side of the head, and can involve the eye, leading to vision loss if not promptly treated.
  • Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: This is an emergency that can cause severe eye pain, headache, and even nausea and vomiting. The pain can be perceived as deep in the eye.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Occipital Neuralgia: Involves the nerves at the back of the head and can cause sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: Although more commonly associated with sharp, stabbing pains in the face, some types can cause a dull ache and involve the eye.
  • Cervicogenic Headache: Originates from the cervical spine and can cause pain on one side of the head, including the eye and jaw area.

Each of these diagnoses has a unique set of characteristics, but the location and nature of the pain (dull ache at the back of the head, jaw, side of the head, and deep in the eye) suggest a variety of potential causes that need to be considered and evaluated by a healthcare professional.