Differential Diagnosis for Throbbing Frontal Headache
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache and often presents as a throbbing frontal headache. It is usually bilateral, mild to moderate in intensity, and can be associated with muscle tension in the neck and scalp.
- Migraine: Although migraines can be unilateral, they often start as a frontal headache and can be throbbing in nature. They are typically more severe than tension headaches and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sinusitis: Inflammation of the sinuses can cause a throbbing frontal headache due to the location of the sinuses in the facial area. Other symptoms may include facial pain, nasal congestion, and purulent nasal discharge.
- Cluster Headache: These are severe, unilateral headaches that can occur in the frontal or temporal region. They are typically shorter in duration than migraines but can be extremely painful.
- Medication Overuse Headache: Frequent use of pain medications can lead to rebound headaches, which can manifest as a throbbing frontal headache.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A sudden, severe headache (often described as "the worst headache of my life") can be a sign of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges can cause a severe headache, fever, and stiff neck. It is a medical emergency.
- Temporal Arteritis: This condition, also known as giant cell arteritis, can cause a severe, throbbing headache, typically in older adults, and is associated with jaw claudication and visual disturbances.
- Brain Tumor: Although rare, a brain tumor can cause a headache that worsens over time, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, causing intense pain in the face, which can sometimes be perceived as a throbbing frontal headache.
- Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension: A condition characterized by increased pressure within the skull without a detectable cause, leading to headaches that can be frontal and throbbing.
- Cervicogenic Headache: A headache that originates from the cervical spine, which can refer pain to the frontal region.