Differential Diagnosis for a 12-year-old with Possible Concussion
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Concussion: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of a possible concussion. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or body, a fall, or another injury that jars or shakes the brain inside the skull. The symptoms of a concussion can include headache, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating, among others.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Skull fracture: A skull fracture is a possible diagnosis in a patient with a head injury, and it can sometimes present with similar symptoms to a concussion.
- Cervical spine injury: An injury to the cervical spine can also occur with a head injury and may present with similar symptoms, such as neck pain and stiffness.
- Post-traumatic headache: A headache that occurs after a head injury can be a separate diagnosis from a concussion and may require different treatment.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Epidural hematoma: This is a type of bleeding in the brain that can occur after a head injury and can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
- Subdural hematoma: Similar to an epidural hematoma, a subdural hematoma is a type of bleeding in the brain that can occur after a head injury and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Cervical spine fracture with spinal cord injury: A fracture of the cervical spine with an associated spinal cord injury can be life-threatening and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): An AVM is a rare condition where there is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the brain, which can cause symptoms similar to a concussion.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: This is a type of bleeding in the brain that can occur after a head injury, but it is less common in children and adolescents.
- Brain tumor: A brain tumor is a rare diagnosis that can cause symptoms similar to a concussion, but it is unlikely in the context of a recent head injury.