Differential Diagnosis for Headache, Metallic Smell, Nausea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Migraine: This condition is often characterized by headaches, nausea, and sometimes, patients report experiencing unusual smells, including metallic smells, which can be part of the aura phase.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause headaches and nausea. A metallic smell could be due to the infection itself or the presence of blood or pus in the nasal passages.
- Viral Gastroenteritis: Although primarily associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, some viruses can cause headaches and nausea. The metallic smell might be less common but could be related to dehydration or specific viral effects.
- Menstrual Migraine or Menstrual-Related Disorders: For individuals who menstruate, hormonal changes can trigger migraines, which might include symptoms like headache, nausea, and possibly unusual smells.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A life-threatening condition where there is bleeding into the space surrounding the brain. It can cause a sudden, severe headache, nausea, and sometimes, patients report a metallic taste or smell, possibly due to the blood.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can be caused by infection. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and sometimes, an unusual smell or taste, which could be perceived as metallic.
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Exposure to carbon monoxide can cause headache, nausea, and sometimes, individuals report a metallic taste. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis, especially if there's a potential source of exposure.
Rare Diagnoses
- Temporal Lobe Seizures: These seizures can cause a variety of symptoms, including unusual smells (which might be perceived as metallic), headaches, and nausea.
- Phantosmia: A condition where a person perceives a smell that is not present in their environment. It could be related to neurological conditions or other factors and might be accompanied by headaches and nausea.
- Certain Neurodegenerative Diseases: Some rare neurodegenerative diseases can cause a combination of symptoms including headaches, nausea, and disturbances in smell perception, which might be described as metallic.