Differential Diagnosis for Toddler with Head Hot and Headache
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., common cold): This is the most common cause of headache and fever in toddlers, often accompanied by other symptoms like runny nose, cough, and sore throat.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Bacterial sinusitis: Toddlers with persistent or severe upper respiratory symptoms may develop bacterial sinusitis, which can cause headache, fever, and facial pain.
- Otitis media (ear infection): Ear infections are common in toddlers and can cause headache, fever, and ear pain.
- Viral gastroenteritis: Although primarily causing gastrointestinal symptoms, some viruses can lead to headache and fever.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningitis: A severe and potentially life-threatening infection of the meninges that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms can include headache, fever, stiff neck, and vomiting.
- Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, usually caused by viral infections, which can present with headache, fever, confusion, and seizures.
- Brain abscess: A rare but serious condition where an abscess forms in the brain, often as a result of a bacterial infection, which can cause headache, fever, and neurological deficits.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Although rare in toddlers, a bleed in the space surrounding the brain can cause sudden, severe headache and requires immediate medical intervention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Tumors (e.g., brain tumors): Although rare, tumors can cause headache and other neurological symptoms in toddlers.
- Neurodegenerative disorders: Certain genetic conditions can lead to progressive neurological deterioration, including headache, but these are exceedingly rare and often present with other distinctive symptoms.
- Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): A rare congenital condition where there's an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, which can cause headache and, if ruptured, severe bleeding.