Differential Diagnosis for Severe Body Aches
- The following differential diagnosis is organized into categories to help guide the thought process.
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral illness: This is the most likely diagnosis, as severe body aches are a common symptom of many viral illnesses, such as the flu or a viral syndrome.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Influenza: Influenza is a common cause of severe body aches, especially during flu season.
- Musculoskeletal strain: Severe body aches can be caused by overexertion or strain on the muscles.
- Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain and tenderness.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism can cause muscle aches and stiffness, especially if left untreated.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that can cause severe body aches, and it is essential to rule it out, especially in patients with risk factors such as immunocompromised states or recent infections.
- Meningitis: Meningitis is an infection of the meninges that can cause severe body aches, fever, and stiffness.
- Lyme disease: Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can cause severe body aches, fever, and joint pain.
- Rheumatologic disorders: Certain rheumatologic disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can cause severe body aches and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Guillain-Barré syndrome: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause severe body aches, weakness, and paralysis.
- Polymyalgia rheumatica: Polymyalgia rheumatica is a rare inflammatory disorder that causes severe muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips.
- Polymyositis: Polymyositis is a rare inflammatory muscle disease that can cause severe body aches, weakness, and muscle wasting.
- Dengue fever: Dengue fever is a rare viral illness that can cause severe body aches, fever, and hemorrhaging.