Differential Diagnosis for Temporal Headaches in a 70-Year-Old Male
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis): This condition is a common cause of temporal headaches in older adults, especially those over 50 years old. It is characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels in the temples, leading to headaches, jaw claudication, and visual disturbances.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tension Headache: A common type of headache that can occur at any age, characterized by a band-like pressure around the head, including the temporal region.
- Migraine: Although less common in older adults, migraines can still occur and may present with unilateral temporal pain.
- Temporal Mandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder: Pain from the TMJ can radiate to the temporal region, causing headaches.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although headaches are not the most common symptom of stroke or TIA, they can occur, especially if the stroke affects the blood vessels in the temporal lobe.
- Temporal Arteritis with Visual Impairment: If left untreated, temporal arteritis can lead to blindness, making prompt diagnosis and treatment crucial.
- Intracranial Hemorrhage: A headache in an older adult could be a sign of an intracranial hemorrhage, which is a medical emergency.
Rare Diagnoses
- Trigeminal Neuralgia: A condition characterized by sudden, severe, shock-like pain in parts of the face, including the temporal region.
- Hemicrania Continua: A rare type of headache disorder that causes continuous, unilateral pain, often in the temporal region.
- Temporal Lobe Epilepsy: Seizures originating from the temporal lobe can cause headaches, although this is a less common presentation.