Differential Diagnosis
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Musculoskeletal strain: The patient's symptoms of intermittent throbbing pain in the right bicep, exacerbated by working on his car, suggest a musculoskeletal strain. The lack of associated symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness, and the absence of a specific timing or radiation pattern, further support this diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons in the bicep area could cause pain and discomfort, especially with activities that involve lifting or bending, such as working on a car.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae in the shoulder or elbow area could radiate pain to the bicep region, especially with repetitive motion or pressure.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: Although less likely, thoracic outlet syndrome could cause radiating pain to the arm, including the bicep area, and is a potentially serious condition that requires prompt attention.
- Brachial plexus injury: A traumatic injury to the brachial plexus could cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm, including the bicep area, and is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome: A rare condition that involves compression of the nerves in the thoracic outlet, causing pain and numbness in the arm, including the bicep area.
- Inflammatory myopathy: A rare condition that involves inflammation of the muscles, including the bicep, which could cause pain, weakness, and swelling.