Differential Diagnosis for Sensitivity to Scalp with Headache
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache and is often associated with scalp sensitivity due to muscle tension in the neck and scalp.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Migraine: Migraines can cause sensitivity to the scalp, as well as other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause pain and sensitivity in the scalp, especially in the forehead and cheek areas.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: TMJ disorders can cause pain and sensitivity in the scalp, as well as jaw pain and clicking or popping of the jaw.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: A life-threatening condition that occurs when there is bleeding into the space surrounding the brain, which can cause a sudden, severe headache and scalp sensitivity.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which can cause headache, scalp sensitivity, and other symptoms such as fever and stiff neck.
- Giant cell arteritis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the scalp, which can cause headache, scalp sensitivity, and vision loss if left untreated.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Trigeminal neuralgia: A condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which can cause intense pain and sensitivity in the scalp and face.
- Occipital neuralgia: A condition that affects the occipital nerves, which can cause pain and sensitivity in the scalp and back of the head.
- Dermatological conditions (e.g. psoriasis, eczema): Certain skin conditions can cause scalp sensitivity and headache, although these are less common causes of these symptoms.