Differential Diagnosis for Headache Starting in the Neck and Moving to the Front of the Head
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Tension Headache: This is the most common type of headache and often starts in the neck and moves to the front of the head. It is usually described as a band or a squeezing sensation around the forehead, back of the neck, or both, and is often associated with muscle tension.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervicogenic Headache: This type of headache is referred from the cervical spine and often starts in the neck before radiating to the front of the head. It can be caused by various factors, including poor posture, neck strain, or cervical spine disorders.
- Migraine: Although migraines typically start on one side of the head, some people may experience a migraine that starts in the neck and moves to the front of the head. Migraines are often accompanied by other symptoms such as sensitivity to light, sound, or nausea.
- Occipital Neuralgia: This condition involves inflammation of the occipital nerves, which can cause pain that starts in the neck and moves to the front of the head. The pain is often described as sharp or stabbing and can be accompanied by tenderness in the neck.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Although rare, a subarachnoid hemorrhage can cause a sudden, severe headache that starts in the neck and moves to the front of the head. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges can cause a headache that starts in the neck and moves to the front of the head, often accompanied by fever, stiff neck, and other symptoms.
- Temporal Arteritis: This condition involves inflammation of the temporal arteries and can cause a headache that starts in the neck and moves to the front of the head, often accompanied by jaw pain, visual disturbances, and other symptoms.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Chiari Malformation: A rare congenital condition where the cerebellum extends into the spinal canal, which can cause a headache that starts in the neck and moves to the front of the head, often accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, or weakness.
- Atlantoaxial Subluxation: A rare condition where the joints between the first and second cervical vertebrae become misaligned, which can cause a headache that starts in the neck and moves to the front of the head, often accompanied by other symptoms such as neck pain, stiffness, or neurological deficits.