Differential Diagnosis for Low-Grade Headache around the Temples
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache and is often described as a low-grade, band-like pressure around the temples. The duration of 1 week is consistent with a chronic tension headache.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Migraine headache: Although migraines are often more severe, some individuals may experience low-grade migraines or migraines that are not accompanied by typical symptoms such as aura or nausea.
- Sinus headache: Sinusitis or allergies can cause headaches that are localized to the temples, although these are often accompanied by other symptoms such as facial pressure or nasal congestion.
- Cervicogenic headache: Headaches caused by neck strain or cervical spine dysfunction can radiate to the temples and may be exacerbated by certain movements or positions.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Temporal arteritis: This condition, also known as giant cell arteritis, is an inflammatory disorder that can cause headaches, jaw claudication, and visual disturbances. It is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent blindness.
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Although this is a less likely cause of a low-grade headache, it is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Brain tumor: A brain tumor can cause headaches that are worse in the morning and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as seizures, confusion, or focal neurological deficits.
Rare Diagnoses
- Trigeminal neuralgia: This condition is characterized by sudden, severe facial pain, but some individuals may experience low-grade, chronic pain in the temples.
- Occipital neuralgia: This condition involves inflammation of the occipital nerves and can cause headaches that radiate to the temples.
- Hypnic headache: This is a rare condition that causes headaches that occur only during sleep and may be localized to the temples.