Differential Diagnosis for a 13 Week Pregnant Female with Headache
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Migraine: This is a common condition that can occur during pregnancy, and headaches are a typical symptom. The hormonal changes during early pregnancy can trigger or exacerbate migraine headaches.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tension headache: Stress and physical changes during early pregnancy can lead to tension headaches.
- Sinus headache: Pregnancy can cause nasal congestion and sinus pressure, leading to headaches.
- Hypertension: Although less common at 13 weeks, pregnancy-induced hypertension can cause headaches and is essential to monitor.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Preeclampsia: Although typically presents after 20 weeks, it can occur earlier, and headache is a symptom. Missing this diagnosis can be fatal for both the mother and the fetus.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage or other intracranial hemorrhages: These are rare but can be life-threatening. A sudden, severe headache (often described as "the worst headache of my life") is a classic symptom.
- Venous sinus thrombosis: This is a rare condition but can occur during pregnancy due to hypercoagulability. It presents with headache and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH): Also known as pseudotumor cerebri, this condition can cause headaches and is more common in obese women, which may include some pregnant individuals.
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) or aneurysm: These vascular abnormalities can cause headaches and, although rare, can rupture during pregnancy, leading to severe consequences.
- Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES): This is a rare condition associated with hypertension and can cause headaches, seizures, and visual disturbances.