Differential Diagnosis for Headaches in a 5-year-old
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache in children, often related to stress, fatigue, or minor viral illnesses. The symptoms typically include a mild, bilateral, band-like pressure around the head.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Migraine: Although less common than in adults, migraines can occur in children, presenting with unilateral, throbbing headaches, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Viral Infections: Common viral infections such as the flu or a cold can cause headaches in children due to fever, congestion, and overall body aches.
- Allergies: Seasonal allergies or allergic reactions can lead to sinus pressure and headaches.
- Dehydration: Inadequate fluid intake can cause headaches in children, especially during hot weather or with increased physical activity.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Meningitis: An infection that inflames the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include severe headache, fever, stiff neck, and vomiting. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
- Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain tissue, usually caused by viral infections. Symptoms can include headache, fever, confusion, and seizures.
- Brain Tumor: Although rare, brain tumors can cause headaches due to increased intracranial pressure. Other symptoms might include vomiting, vision changes, and behavioral changes.
- Trauma: Head injuries can cause headaches, and it's essential to assess for any history of trauma, especially if the headache is severe, worsens over time, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like confusion or loss of consciousness.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pseudotumor Cerebri (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension): A condition characterized by increased pressure within the skull without any apparent cause, leading to headaches, vision changes, and sometimes papilledema.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): A rare congenital condition where there's an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the brain, which can cause headaches, seizures, and other neurological symptoms.
- Chiari Malformation: A structural defect in the cerebellum that controls balance, which can cause headaches, especially with coughing or straining, as well as other neurological symptoms.