[19F] Experiencing severe headache, jaw pain, and difficulty swallowing

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possible conditions:

• Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ): These are problems with the jaw joint and the muscles around it, often caused by grinding teeth, injury, or arthritis. This could explain your headache, jaw pain, and difficulty swallowing.

  • Treatment usually involves pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or physical therapy. In severe cases, surgical treatments may be necessary.

• Tension headache: This is a common type of headache that can cause a constant pressure-like pain on both sides of your head, near your ears. It can be caused by stress, anxiety, or straining your eyes.

  • Treatment typically involves over-the-counter pain relievers, stress management, and ensuring you get enough rest.

• Giant Cell Arteritis: This is a condition that causes inflammation of the arteries in the head and neck. It's rare in people under 50, but it could cause a severe headache, jaw pain, and vision problems.

  • Treatment usually involves high-dose corticosteroids.

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is a condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting your mouth and stomach (esophagus). This can cause a lump-like feeling in the throat (globus sensation).

  • Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medications.

What you can do

You should make an appointment to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible. They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In the meantime:

1. Try to rest and avoid activities that make your symptoms worse.
2. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with your headache and jaw pain.
3. Avoid foods and drinks that can trigger heartburn, such as fatty or fried foods, tomato sauce, alcohol, chocolate, mint, garlic, onion, and caffeine.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with rest and over-the-counter medications.
• You develop new symptoms, such as fever, unexplained weight loss, or difficulty breathing.
• Your headache becomes severe and is the worst you've ever experienced.
• You have sudden vision changes or loss of vision.

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.