Differential Diagnosis for Morning Headaches
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Tension headache: This is the most common type of headache and often occurs in the morning due to muscle tension during sleep.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Migraine: Morning headaches can be a symptom of migraine, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
- Sleep apnea: Morning headaches can be a sign of sleep apnea, a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality.
- Dehydration: Waking up dehydrated can cause morning headaches, especially if the person has not consumed enough water throughout the day or has a high-sugar diet.
- Sinusitis: Morning headaches can be a symptom of sinusitis, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like nasal congestion, facial pain, and fever.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Although rare, a sudden and severe morning headache can be a sign of a subarachnoid hemorrhage, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Brain tumor: A morning headache that worsens over time can be a sign of a brain tumor, which requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning: Morning headaches can be a symptom of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially if the person has been exposed to a faulty heating system or generator.
- Rare diagnoses
- Hypothyroidism: Some people with hypothyroidism may experience morning headaches due to hormonal imbalances.
- Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ): Morning headaches can be a symptom of TMJ, especially if accompanied by jaw pain and clicking sounds.
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: A rare condition characterized by increased pressure in the brain, which can cause morning headaches, especially in young, obese women.