Differential Diagnosis for Male 18y with Vision Changes and Headaches after Head Injury
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Concussion with Post-Concussive Syndrome: This is the most likely diagnosis given the patient's recent head injury, followed by symptoms such as vision changes, headaches, and light sensitivity. These symptoms are common in post-concussive syndrome, which can occur after a mild traumatic brain injury.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Traumatic Optic Neuropathy: Direct trauma to the optic nerve can cause vision changes, which aligns with the patient's symptoms. This condition can result from a head injury.
- Subconjunctival Hemorrhage or Other Ocular Injuries: The vision changes could be due to direct eye injury, such as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, which might not be immediately apparent.
- Migraine: The combination of headaches, light sensitivity, and vision changes could suggest migraines, possibly triggered by the head injury.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage or Other Intracranial Hemorrhages: Although less likely, these conditions are potentially life-threatening and can present with sudden headaches, vision changes, and sensitivity to light after a head injury.
- Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP): Conditions that increase ICP, such as a subdural hematoma, can cause headaches, vision changes (including papilledema), and sensitivity to light.
- Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: A rare but serious condition that can occur after a head injury, presenting with headache, vision changes, and possibly other neurological deficits.
Rare Diagnoses
- Traumatic Carotid Artery Dissection: A rare condition where the head injury causes a dissection of the carotid artery, potentially leading to vision changes, headaches, and other neurological symptoms due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
- Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause vision loss and pain, though it's less directly related to head trauma compared to other options listed.