Differential Diagnosis for 62-year-old male on blood thinner with acute neck pain and stiffness

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Cervical strain or muscle spasm: This is a common condition that can cause acute neck pain and stiffness, especially in older adults. The lack of fever or chills and the absence of other systemic symptoms make this diagnosis more likely.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Cervical spondylosis: This condition, which involves wear and tear on the cervical spine, can cause neck pain and stiffness, particularly in older adults.
  • Herniated cervical disc: A herniated disc in the cervical spine can cause acute neck pain and stiffness, and may also cause radiating pain or numbness.
  • Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine: This condition can cause neck pain and stiffness, especially in older adults.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses
  • Spinal epidural hematoma: This is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur in patients on blood thinners, and can cause acute neck pain and stiffness. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
  • Cervical spine fracture: A fracture of the cervical spine can cause acute neck pain and stiffness, and may be more likely in older adults or those with osteoporosis.
  • Meningitis: Although the patient does not have fever or chills, meningitis can present with neck stiffness and pain, and is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Cervical spine infection (e.g. osteomyelitis or discitis): These conditions are less common, but can cause neck pain and stiffness, and may be more likely in patients with certain risk factors (e.g. immunocompromised state).
  • Rheumatologic conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis): These conditions can cause neck pain and stiffness, but are less common in older adults and may be accompanied by other systemic symptoms.
  • Vertebral artery dissection: This is a rare condition that can cause neck pain and stiffness, and may be more likely in patients with certain risk factors (e.g. hypertension or trauma).