Differential Diagnosis for Head Injury
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Closed head injury or minor traumatic brain injury: This is the most likely diagnosis given the patient's history of a metal lid hitting him on the head, resulting in a mild headache at the site of impact, but without any loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, or visual disturbances.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Laceration or scalp injury: The patient may have sustained a laceration or other scalp injury from the metal lid, which could be causing his mild headache.
- Concussion: Although the patient denies loss of consciousness, a concussion is still possible, especially if he was startled or experienced a brief period of disorientation.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Epidural hematoma: Although the patient is stable and denies severe symptoms, an epidural hematoma is a potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Subdural hematoma: Similar to an epidural hematoma, a subdural hematoma is a serious condition that can occur after a head injury, even if the patient is initially asymptomatic.
- Skull fracture: A skull fracture could be present, even if the patient does not have severe symptoms, and would require further evaluation and potential intervention.
- Rare diagnoses
- Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Although rare, a subarachnoid hemorrhage could occur after a head injury, especially if the patient has a pre-existing condition, such as an aneurysm.
- Cerebral contusion: A cerebral contusion is a rare but possible complication of a head injury, which could cause focal neurological deficits or other symptoms.