Differential Diagnosis for Submental Swelling with Ipsilateral Eye Orbit Pain
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Dental infection or abscess: This is the most likely diagnosis because the submental region is close to the mandible, and infections in this area can cause referred pain to the eye due to shared nerve pathways, particularly the trigeminal nerve.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Submandibular gland infection or sialadenitis: Inflammation of the submandibular gland can cause swelling in the submental area and pain that may radiate to the face, including the eye orbit, due to the gland's location and innervation.
- Lymphadenitis: Infection of the lymph nodes in the submental region can cause swelling and pain, and if the infection is severe, it might cause referred pain to the eye.
- Thyroglossal duct cyst infection: Although less common, an infected thyroglossal duct cyst can present with swelling in the midline of the neck but can sometimes be off-center, causing pain that might radiate to the face.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis: This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can result from the spread of infection from the face to the cavernous sinus. It presents with symptoms such as eye pain, proptosis, and possibly decreased ocular motility, making it crucial not to miss.
- Orbital cellulitis: An infection of the tissues surrounding the eye, which can result from the spread of infection from the face or sinuses. It requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.
- Rare diagnoses
- Eagle syndrome: A condition caused by an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament, which can cause facial and eye pain, although it is less likely to cause submental swelling directly.
- Trigeminal neuralgia: A chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which could potentially cause eye pain but is less likely to be associated with submental swelling.