Differential Diagnosis for Sensation of Hot Head and Burning in a Male

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Migraine or Tension Headache: These conditions are common and can cause a sensation of heat or burning in the head, often accompanied by other symptoms like pain, sensitivity to light, or nausea.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Anxiety or Stress: High levels of anxiety or stress can lead to physical symptoms including a feeling of heat or burning sensation in the head.
  • Menopause (in the context of gender-affirming therapy or late-onset hypogonadism): Though less common, some men, especially those undergoing hormonal changes, might experience hot flashes.
  • Sinusitis or Other Sinus Issues: Inflammation or infection in the sinuses can cause a burning sensation in the face and head.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Meningitis: An infection that inflames the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. It can cause severe headache, fever, and a stiff neck.
  • Temporal Arteritis: An inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, which can cause severe headaches, visual disturbances, and jaw pain.
  • Brain Tumor: Though rare, a tumor in the brain can cause a variety of symptoms including headaches, which might be perceived as a burning sensation.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of potential symptoms, including unusual sensations such as burning.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. It can cause intense, shock-like or burning pain in parts of the face.
  • Neurosyphilis: A complication of syphilis infection that can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including headaches and unusual sensations.