Differential Diagnosis for Pain
The following is a differential diagnosis for various pain conditions, categorized for clarity and emphasis on critical diagnoses.
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal pain (e.g., strain, sprain, or overuse injury): This is often the most common cause of pain, given its prevalence in daily life due to physical activity, poor posture, or repetitive strain.
- Headache (tension or migraine): Headaches are very common and can be caused by a variety of factors including stress, dehydration, or specific neurological conditions.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Neuropathic pain (e.g., diabetic neuropathy, trigeminal neuralgia): Conditions affecting the nerves can cause significant pain and are relatively common, especially in populations with diabetes or those who have had certain types of injuries or infections.
- Inflammatory conditions (e.g., arthritis, fibromyalgia): These conditions can cause widespread pain and are common enough to be considered in the differential diagnosis for many patients presenting with pain.
- Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease): Pain can be referred from the gastrointestinal tract to various parts of the body, making these conditions relevant in a pain differential diagnosis.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack) or angina: Chest pain can be a symptom of these life-threatening conditions, and missing the diagnosis can be fatal.
- Pulmonary embolism: Sudden onset of chest pain and shortness of breath could indicate a pulmonary embolism, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Appendicitis or other acute abdominal conditions: Severe abdominal pain can be a sign of an emergency that requires surgical intervention.
- Meningitis or encephalitis: Severe headache with fever and stiff neck could indicate one of these dangerous infections.
Rare Diagnoses
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition that most often affects one limb after an injury or trauma.
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder: Pain in the jaw joint and surrounding muscles can be due to this condition, though it's less common than other causes of facial pain.
- Endometriosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus is found outside the uterus, causing pain, especially during menstruation.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain and is less common than other gastrointestinal issues but serious nonetheless.