Differential Diagnosis for Head Discomfort when Bending Forward
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Tension headache: This is often the most common cause of head discomfort and can be exacerbated by bending forward due to increased muscle strain in the neck and scalp.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervicogenic headache: Bending forward can put strain on the cervical spine, leading to pain referred to the head.
- Sinusitis: Bending forward can increase pressure in the sinuses, leading to discomfort or pain in the face and head.
- Migraine: Certain movements, including bending forward, can trigger or worsen migraine headaches in susceptible individuals.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Although rare, a sudden and severe headache that occurs with bending forward could be indicative of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a medical emergency.
- Brain tumor: Increased intracranial pressure due to a tumor could cause headaches that worsen with certain positions, including bending forward.
- Temporal arteritis: This condition can cause severe headaches and is a medical emergency if it leads to vision loss; it might be exacerbated by certain movements.
Rare Diagnoses
- Chiari malformation: A structural defect in the cerebellum that can cause headaches, especially with certain movements or positions, including bending forward.
- Pseudotumor cerebri (Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension): Characterized by increased intracranial pressure without a detectable cause, which can lead to headaches that might worsen with bending forward.
- Occipital neuralgia: Inflammation of the occipital nerves can cause severe headaches, which might be triggered or worsened by specific movements, including bending forward.