Differential Diagnosis for Suspected Head Injury Symptoms
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Concussion: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the common occurrence of concussions in head injuries, which can result from a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Skull Fracture: A skull fracture is a possible diagnosis as it can occur from a severe head injury, leading to symptoms such as headache, nausea, and vomiting.
- Subdural Hematoma: This condition, characterized by bleeding into the space between the brain and the skull, is a likely diagnosis due to its association with head trauma.
- Epidural Hematoma: Although less common, an epidural hematoma, which involves bleeding between the skull and the dura mater, is another possible diagnosis in the context of head injury.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Although not the most common, a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which involves bleeding into the space surrounding the brain, is critical to identify due to its high mortality rate if left untreated.
- Intracerebral Hemorrhage: This condition, involving bleeding directly into the brain tissue, is crucial to diagnose promptly due to its severe implications on brain function and survival.
- Cerebral Edema: Swelling of the brain can be a life-threatening complication of head injury, making it essential to consider in the differential diagnosis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): Although rare, an AVM, which is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins, could potentially rupture and cause symptoms mimicking a head injury.
- Meningitis: Infection of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, could present with symptoms similar to those of a head injury, especially if the injury becomes infected.
- Brain Abscess: A rare but serious condition where a pocket of infection forms in the brain, which could be a complication of a head injury, particularly if the skull is penetrated.