Differential Diagnosis for Warning Leak Headache Symptoms
- Single most likely diagnosis + Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) due to aneurysmal rupture: This is the most likely diagnosis because a "warning leak" headache is a classic symptom of a small, initial bleed from an aneurysm, which can precede a larger, more catastrophic rupture.
- Other Likely diagnoses + Migraine headache: Migraines can cause severe, sudden-onset headaches that may be mistaken for a warning leak. + Thunderclap headache: This is a severe, sudden-onset headache that can be caused by various conditions, including reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) or cervical artery dissection. + Tension headache: Although less likely, a severe tension headache could potentially be mistaken for a warning leak headache.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.) + Aneurysmal rupture: As mentioned earlier, a warning leak headache can precede a larger aneurysmal rupture, which is a medical emergency. + Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) rupture: Although less common, an AVM rupture can cause a warning leak headache and is a potentially life-threatening condition. + Cervical artery dissection: Dissection of the cervical arteries can cause a warning leak headache and is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment.
- Rare diagnoses + Pituitary apoplexy: This is a rare condition where a pituitary tumor undergoes sudden hemorrhage or infarction, causing a severe headache. + Colloid cyst rupture: A colloid cyst is a rare type of brain tumor that can rupture and cause a sudden, severe headache. + Spontaneous intracranial hypotension: This is a rare condition where there is a spontaneous leak of cerebrospinal fluid, causing a severe headache.