Differential Diagnosis for Headache and Eye Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache and can cause pain in the eyes due to muscle tension in the face and neck.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Prolonged use of digital devices, environmental factors, or certain medications can lead to dry eyes, causing eye pain and associated headaches.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Migraine: A neurological condition that can cause severe headaches, often accompanied by eye pain, sensitivity to light, and nausea.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pain in the face, including the eyes, and lead to headaches.
- Cluster Headache: A rare but severe type of headache that occurs in cycles or clusters, often causing pain around one eye.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Giant Cell Arteritis: An inflammatory condition that can cause headaches, eye pain, and vision loss if not promptly treated.
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A medical emergency that causes sudden, severe eye pain and headaches due to increased pressure in the eye.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can cause severe headaches, eye pain, and other symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, causing intense pain in the face, including the eyes.
- Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause eye pain, vision loss, and headaches.
- Temporal Arteritis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the temples, which can cause headaches, eye pain, and other symptoms.