Differential Diagnosis for Postprandial Headache
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Tension Headache: This is often triggered by various factors including stress, fatigue, and certain foods. Postprandial headaches could be related to tension headaches due to the physical and emotional changes after eating.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Migraine: Some individuals experience migraines triggered by specific foods or the act of eating itself. These headaches are typically more severe and can be accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Sinus Headache: Eating can sometimes trigger sinus pressure and headaches in individuals with sinusitis or allergies, especially if certain foods cause nasal congestion.
- Hypoglycemia: In some cases, eating can lead to a rapid spike in blood sugar followed by a crash, resulting in hypoglycemia. This condition can cause headaches among other symptoms like dizziness and sweating.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Temporal Arteritis: Although less common, temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis) is a serious condition that can cause headaches, especially in older adults. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis due to the risk of vision loss if not promptly treated.
- Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodic headaches, often associated with eating or other triggers, due to sudden releases of catecholamines.
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Though extremely rare as a cause of postprandial headache, a "thunderclap headache" could potentially be triggered by the physical act of eating in the context of an aneurysm rupture.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: Abnormalities in the Eustachian tube function can lead to middle ear pressure changes during eating, potentially causing headaches.
- Food Allergies or Intolerances: Specific food allergies or intolerances (e.g., gluten, lactose) can trigger headaches in susceptible individuals.
- Medication Overuse Headache: In individuals who frequently use headache medications, overuse can lead to rebound headaches, potentially triggered by the timing of meals in relation to medication intake.