Differential Diagnosis for Throbbing Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache and is characterized by a throbbing or pressing sensation, typically without photophobia, phonophobia, or autonomic symptoms.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Migraine without aura: Although migraines often present with photophobia and phonophobia, some patients may not experience these symptoms. The throbbing nature of the pain is consistent with migraine.
- Cluster headache (in a mild form): While cluster headaches are typically associated with autonomic symptoms, some patients may experience a milder form without these symptoms.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Although this condition often presents with sudden, severe headache (thunderclap headache), it's crucial to consider it in the differential diagnosis due to its high mortality rate if left untreated.
- Temporal arteritis: This condition can cause throbbing headaches, especially in older adults, and is a medical emergency due to the risk of vision loss if not promptly treated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hemicrania continua: A rare headache disorder characterized by continuous, often throbbing pain on one side of the head, without autonomic symptoms.
- Primary stabbing headache: Although typically brief and stabbing, some patients may experience a throbbing component, making it a rare consideration in this differential diagnosis.