Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 10, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Headache with Eye Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache and can cause pain around the eyes due to muscle tension. The intermediate duration of 3 years suggests a chronic condition, which is consistent with tension headaches.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Migraine: Migraines can cause severe eye pain and are often accompanied by headaches. The 3-year duration is plausible for migraines, which can be chronic.
  • Dry Eye Syndrome: This condition can cause eye pain and is often accompanied by headaches due to the constant irritation. It's a common condition that can persist for years.
  • Sinusitis: Chronic sinusitis can cause headaches and eye pain due to the inflammation of the sinuses, which are located near the eyes.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Giant Cell Arteritis: This is a serious condition that can cause eye pain and headaches, and if left untreated, can lead to blindness. Although it's less common, it's crucial to rule out due to its potential severity.
  • Temporal Arteritis: Similar to giant cell arteritis, this condition can cause eye pain and headaches, and requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.
  • Glaucoma: This eye condition can cause severe eye pain and headaches, and if left untreated, can lead to vision loss.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Cluster Headaches: These are rare and cause severe eye pain and headaches, often occurring in clusters or cycles.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: This condition causes sudden, severe facial pain, including eye pain, and is often accompanied by headaches.
  • Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: This rare condition can cause headaches and eye pain due to increased pressure in the brain.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.