Differential Diagnosis for Body Temperature Irregularities and Headaches
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Infection: This is often the most common cause of body temperature irregularities (fever) and headaches. Viral infections such as the flu or common cold can lead to these symptoms due to the body's immune response.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Migraine: While primarily known for causing severe headaches, some migraines can be accompanied by fever or body temperature fluctuations, especially in children.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause headaches and fever, especially if the sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection.
- Menstrual Disorders: For women, conditions like dysmenorrhea can cause headaches and fluctuations in body temperature due to hormonal changes.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can cause fever and headaches as side effects, making this a consideration in patients on new or multiple medications.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningitis: Although less common, meningitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can cause fever, headache, and stiff neck. Early diagnosis is crucial.
- Encephalitis: An inflammation of the brain, usually caused by viral infections, which can present with fever, headache, and altered mental status.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A life-threatening condition that can cause sudden, severe headache (often described as "the worst headache" ever experienced) and may be accompanied by fever if there is associated infection or inflammation.
- Brain Abscess: A rare but serious condition where an abscess forms in the brain, potentially causing fever, headache, and neurological deficits.
Rare Diagnoses
- Temporal Arteritis: An inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, which can cause headaches and fever, more commonly seen in older adults.
- Lymphoma: Certain types of lymphoma can cause systemic symptoms including fever and headaches, though this would be part of a broader constellation of symptoms.
- Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can occasionally present with fever and headache among other systemic symptoms.
- Neurosyphilis: A complication of untreated syphilis infection that can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including headache and fever, though it is relatively rare in areas with access to modern healthcare.