Differential Diagnosis for Tinnitus and Headache
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Tension headache with associated tinnitus: This is the most likely diagnosis as tinnitus is a common symptom associated with tension headaches, and the two conditions often co-occur. Tension headaches are also one of the most common types of headaches.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Migraine: Migraines are a common cause of headaches and can be associated with tinnitus, especially during the aura phase.
- Sinusitis: Sinus infections can cause headaches and tinnitus due to the pressure and congestion in the sinuses.
- Otosclerosis: This is a condition where there is abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, which can cause tinnitus and headaches.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: TMJ disorders can cause headaches and tinnitus due to the referred pain and muscle tension.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis: This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition where a blood clot forms in the brain's venous sinuses, causing headaches and tinnitus.
- Meningitis: Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can cause severe headaches and tinnitus.
- Brain tumor: Although rare, brain tumors can cause headaches and tinnitus, especially if they are located in the auditory or cranial nerve pathways.
- Stroke: A stroke can cause sudden onset of headaches and tinnitus, especially if it affects the brainstem or cerebellum.
Rare Diagnoses
- Acoustic neuroma: This is a rare, benign tumor that grows on the nerve vestibular nerve, causing tinnitus and headaches.
- Meniere's disease: This is a rare disorder of the inner ear that can cause tinnitus, headaches, and vertigo.
- Superior canal dehiscence syndrome: This is a rare condition where there is an abnormal opening in the bone above the inner ear, causing tinnitus and headaches.
- Lyme disease: Lyme disease is a rare infection that can cause headaches and tinnitus, especially if it affects the nervous system.