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

Patient Description

A 19-year-old female presents with a severe headache described as a constant pressure on both sides near the ears, which has been persistent for 6 hours. The headache is exacerbated by movement and bright lights, and no relief has been found. This is the first occurrence of such a headache. Additionally, the patient reports bilateral jaw pain with a severity rated at 7 out of 10, which occurs when opening and closing the jaw. There is also a sensation of a lump in the throat when swallowing, though there is no associated throat pain. The patient's eyes also hurt, but further details are not provided. There is no mention of any recent infections, trauma, or other relevant medical history.

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Arora's Assessment

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.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ)?

Common symptoms of TMJ disorders include jaw pain or tenderness, aching pain around the ear, difficulty chewing, and a clicking sound or grating sensation when opening the mouth or chewing.


How can tension headaches be managed at home?

Tension headaches can often be managed at home by using over-the-counter pain relievers, practicing stress management techniques such as meditation or yoga, ensuring adequate rest, and applying heat or cold packs to the head or neck.


What is the likelihood of a 19-year-old having Giant Cell Arteritis?

Giant Cell Arteritis is very rare in individuals under 50 years old, making it unlikely for a 19-year-old to have this condition. It is more common in older adults, particularly those over 70.


What lifestyle changes can help manage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Lifestyle changes that can help manage GERD include avoiding foods and drinks that trigger reflux (such as fatty foods, caffeine, and alcohol), eating smaller meals, not lying down immediately after eating, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking.


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