Differential Diagnosis for Persistent Headaches Following Motor Vehicle Accident
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cervicogenic headache: This is a common condition following motor vehicle accidents, where the headache is referred from the cervical spine due to injury or strain. The mechanism of injury in a motor vehicle accident, such as whiplash, can lead to cervical spine strain or injury, resulting in headaches.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Post-traumatic headache: This is a broad category of headaches that occur after a traumatic event, such as a motor vehicle accident. The headache can be due to various factors, including stress, muscle tension, or minor injuries.
- Tension headache: Muscle tension in the neck and scalp can lead to tension headaches, which are common after motor vehicle accidents due to the physical and emotional stress involved.
- Concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI): Even if the patient did not lose consciousness, a concussion or mTBI can occur, leading to persistent headaches among other symptoms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subdural or epidural hematoma: Although less common, these conditions can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated. A motor vehicle accident can cause bleeding in the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potentially fatal outcomes if not addressed.
- Cervical spine fracture or instability: Injury to the cervical spine can lead to instability or fracture, which may cause headaches and could lead to more severe neurological deficits if not properly managed.
- Carotid or vertebral artery dissection: These are rare but potentially life-threatening conditions where the inner layer of the artery tears, leading to stroke or other complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Chiari malformation: Although rare, a motor vehicle accident can exacerbate or bring attention to an existing Chiari malformation, where the cerebellum extends into the spinal canal, potentially causing headaches.
- Temporal arteritis: This condition involves inflammation of the blood vessels and can cause headaches, but it is less common and typically affects an older population.
- Post-traumatic migraine: While migraines can occur post-trauma, they are less common as a direct result of a motor vehicle accident compared to other headache types.