Differential Diagnosis for Headache and Ear Bleeding
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Trauma: The combination of headache and ear bleeding suggests a traumatic injury, such as a head injury or a basilar skull fracture, which could cause both symptoms.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Middle Ear Infection: An infection in the middle ear can cause ear bleeding and headache due to the spread of infection or inflammation to surrounding structures.
- Mastoiditis: An infection of the mastoid bone, which is located behind the ear, can cause ear bleeding and headache due to the spread of infection.
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Abnormalities in the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, can cause ear bleeding and headache due to changes in ear pressure.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Basilar Skull Fracture: A fracture at the base of the skull can cause ear bleeding and headache, and is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Bleeding into the space surrounding the brain can cause headache and, if the bleeding extends into the ear, ear bleeding. This is a medical emergency.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord can cause headache and ear bleeding, and is a potentially life-threatening condition.
Rare Diagnoses
- Glomus Jugulare Tumor: A rare tumor of the jugular vein can cause ear bleeding and headache due to its location and potential to erode into surrounding structures.
- Petrous Apicitis: A rare infection of the petrous portion of the temporal bone can cause ear bleeding and headache due to the spread of infection.
- Otogenic Sigmoid Sinus Thrombosis: A rare condition in which a blood clot forms in the sigmoid sinus due to an ear infection, which can cause ear bleeding and headache.