Differential Diagnosis for Pediatric Neck Pain and Deviation without Injury
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Torticollis: This condition is characterized by a twisted neck, which can cause pain and deviation. It is a common cause of neck pain in children and can be due to various factors, including congenital conditions, infection, or inflammation.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Cervical lymphadenitis: Infection or inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck can cause pain and deviation.
- Pharyngitis: Inflammation of the pharynx can cause referred pain to the neck and deviation.
- Retropharyngeal abscess: A collection of pus in the tissues at the back of the throat can cause neck pain and deviation.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord can cause neck pain and stiffness.
- Epiglottitis: Inflammation of the epiglottis can cause severe respiratory distress and neck pain.
- Spinal cord injury or tumor: Although less common, these conditions can cause neck pain and deviation, and prompt diagnosis is crucial to prevent long-term damage.
- Rare diagnoses
- Klippel-Feil syndrome: A rare congenital condition characterized by the fusion of two or more cervical vertebrae, which can cause neck pain and deviation.
- Grisel's syndrome: A rare condition characterized by a non-traumatic atlanto-axial subluxation, which can cause neck pain and deviation.
- Benign paroxysmal torticollis: A rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of torticollis, often accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting and irritability.