Differential Diagnosis for Left Migraine
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Migraine with aura: This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of a "left migraine," as migraines can often be unilateral and may be preceded by an aura, which could be interpreted as affecting one side more than the other.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Tension headache: Although typically bilateral, tension headaches can sometimes be perceived as unilateral and could be considered in the differential for a left-sided headache.
- Cluster headache: Known for their severe, unilateral pain, cluster headaches are a possibility, especially if the pain is localized around one eye.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: TMJ disorders can cause unilateral facial pain that might be mistaken for a migraine.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: A sudden, severe headache (often described as "the worst headache of my life") could indicate a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a medical emergency.
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Unilateral headache can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other neurological deficits.
- Temporal arteritis: This condition, also known as giant cell arteritis, can cause unilateral headache and is a medical emergency due to the risk of vision loss.
- Brain tumor: Although rare, a brain tumor could cause unilateral headaches, among other symptoms, and is crucial not to miss.
- Rare diagnoses
- Trigeminal neuralgia: Characterized by sudden, severe, shock-like pain around the eyes, lips, or nose, mainly on one side of the face.
- Occipital neuralgia: Involves pain in the distribution of the occipital nerves, which can be unilateral and mistaken for migraine.
- Hemicrania continua: A rare headache disorder characterized by a continuous, unilateral headache with episodes of more severe pain.