Misdiagnosis of Cluster headache
Alternative diagnoses list for Cluster headache:
For a diagnosis of Cluster headache,
the following list of conditions
have been mentioned in sources
as possible alternative diagnoses
to consider during the diagnostic process for Cluster headache:
Diseases for which Cluster headache may be an alternative diagnosis
The other diseases for which Cluster headache
is listed as a possible alternative
diagnosis in their lists include:
Cluster headache: Hidden Causes Misdiagnosed?
Causes of Cluster headache may include these medical conditions:
Cluster headache Diagnosis: Book Excerpts
Cluster headache: Medical Mistakes
Related medical mistakes may include:
Cluster headache: Undiagnosed Conditions
Commonly undiagnosed conditions in related areas may include:
Discussion of diagnosis/misdiagnosis of Cluster headache:
Despite a cluster headache's distinguishing characteristics, its
relative infrequency and similarity to such disorders as sinusitis can
lead to misdiagnosis. Some cluster patients have had tooth extractions,
sinus surgery, or psychiatric treatment in futile efforts to cure their
pain. (Source: excerpt from Headache - Hope Through Research: NINDS)
Common Misdiagnoses and Cluster headache
Migraine an undiagnosed cause of headache: It is surprising that many migraine sufferers are not
initially diagnosed. Although the condition is fairly well known, there are also many other causes of headache,
and the diagnsosis of migraine is not always straight forward.
See the introduction to migraine or other causes of headache (and types of headache).
Leg cramps at night a classic sign: The symptom of having leg muscle cramps,
particularly at night, is a classic sign of undiagnosed diabetes.
However, there are also various other causes.
See causes of leg cramps or misdiagnosis of diabetes.
Mild traumatic brain injury often remains undiagnosed: Although the symptoms
of severe brain injury are hard to miss,
it is less clear for milder injuries, or even those causing a mild concussion diagnosis.
The condition goes by the name of "mild traumatic brain injury" (MTBI).
MTBI symptoms can be mild, and can continue for days or weeks after the injury.
See the symptoms of MTBI or misdiagnosis of MTBI.
MTBI misdiagnosed as balance problem: When a person has symptoms
such as vertigo or dizziness, a diagnosis of brain injury may go overlooked.
This is particularly true of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), for which the
symptoms are typically mild. The symptoms has also relate to a relatively
mild brain injury (e.g. fall), that could have occurred days or even weeks ago.
Vestibular dysfunction, causing vertigo-like symptoms, is a common complication
of mild brain injury.
See causes of dizziness, causes of vertigo, or misdiagnosis of MTBI.
Post-concussive brain injury often misdiagnosed: A study found that soldiers who had
suffered a concussive injury in battle often were misdiagnosed on their return.
A variety of symptoms can occur in post-concussion syndrome and these were not being correctly
attributed to their concussion injury.
See introduction to concussion.
Children with migraine often misdiagnosed: A migraine often fails to be
correctly diagnosed in pediatric patients.
These patients are not the typical migraine sufferers, but migraines can also occur in children.
See misdiagnosis of migraine or introduction to migraine.
Pituitary conditions often undiagnosed cause of symptoms: There are a variety of symptoms
that can be caused by a pituitary disorder (see symptoms of pituitary disorders).
For example, fatigue, headache, weight gain, diabetes-like symptoms, and various other symptoms.
Pituitary tumors and other similar conditions are not as rare as physicians tend to believe.
See introduction to pituitary conditions.
Vitamin B12 deficiency under-diagnosed: The condition of Vitamin B12 deficiency
is a possible misdiagnosis of various conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (see symptoms of multiple sclerosis).
See symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency or misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
Trigeminal neuralgia- suicide disease: Trigeminal neuralgia is a disorder of the
trigeminal nerve. The cause of the condition is unknown. The patient usually
suffers from sudden onset of severe unilateral pain along the distribution of
the trigeminal nerve which is along the scalp, forehead, eyes, nose, lips and
jaw. The onset of the symptoms is usually triggered by brushing teeth, breeze, stress
or even just touching the cheek. Due to the nerve distribution pattern patients
wrongly assume that the pain could be related to the teeth. The nature of the
pain is very severe and is quite stressful for the patient. Ice packs and
adequate rest may help. Medications and surgery are the final treatment. In young
patients presenting with this condition multiple sclerosis must be ruled out.
Other conditions such as cluster headaches and giant cell arteritis must be
ruled out.
Cluster headache: Rare Types
Rare types of medical disorders and diseases in related medical areas:
General Misdiagnosis Articles
Read these general articles with an overview of misdiagnosis issues.
About misdiagnosis:
When checking for a misdiagnosis of Cluster headache
or confirming a diagnosis of Cluster headache,
it is useful to consider what other
medical conditions might be possible misdiagnoses or other alternative
conditions relevant to diagnosis.
These alternate diagnoses of Cluster headache may already have
been considered by your doctor or may need to be considered as possible
alternative diagnoses or candidates for misdiagnosis of Cluster headache.
For a general overview of misdiagnosis issues for all diseases,
see Overview of Misdiagnosis.
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