Differential Diagnosis for 22 y/o Patient with Stomach Cramps and Headaches
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the patient's symptoms of stomach cramps, upset stomach, and headaches. Viral gastroenteritis is a common condition that can cause these symptoms, and it is often self-limiting.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Food Poisoning: The patient's symptoms could also be consistent with food poisoning, which can cause stomach cramps, nausea, and headaches.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a chronic condition that can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits, which could be contributing to the patient's symptoms.
- Stress or Anxiety: The patient's headaches and stomach cramps could be related to stress or anxiety, which can cause physical symptoms.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although less likely, appendicitis is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention. The patient's stomach cramps could be a symptom of appendicitis, especially if they are severe and persistent.
- Meningitis: The patient's headaches could be a symptom of meningitis, which is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Intestinal Obstruction: An intestinal obstruction could cause severe stomach cramps and vomiting, and it requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition that can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits.
- Celiac Disease: Celiac disease is a rare condition that can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and changes in bowel habits, especially after eating gluten.
- Porphyria: Porphyria is a rare genetic disorder that can cause abdominal pain, cramping, and neurological symptoms, including headaches.