Differential Diagnosis for Severe Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Acute abdomen (e.g., appendicitis, cholecystitis): This is a common cause of severe pain, especially if the pain is localized to a specific area of the abdomen.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Renal colic (kidney stones): Severe pain, often radiating from the flank to the groin, is characteristic of renal colic.
- Musculoskeletal injury (e.g., fracture, sprain): Trauma or overuse can cause severe pain in the affected area.
- Migraine or other headache disorders: While often not as severe as other conditions, some headaches can cause debilitating pain.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack): Chest pain or discomfort can be a sign of a heart attack, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Pulmonary embolism: Sudden onset of severe chest pain and shortness of breath can indicate a pulmonary embolism.
- Aortic dissection: Severe, tearing chest pain can be a sign of an aortic dissection, which is a medical emergency.
- Ectopic pregnancy: Severe abdominal pain in a woman of childbearing age can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Porphyria: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause severe abdominal pain, among other symptoms.
- Complex regional pain syndrome: A rare condition characterized by severe, burning pain in one limb after an injury or trauma.
- Sickle cell crisis: Severe pain episodes can occur in individuals with sickle cell disease due to vaso-occlusive crises.