Case History:

23 yo female presents with chronic headaches, exacerbated during her menstrual cycle

Contributed By:
Lawrence Bagnell, DC
Case Presentation: Page 1 of 4

A 23-year-old female presents with chronic headaches, exacerbated during her menstrual cycle. She has a history of physical abuse for a few years that ended recently. She noted that she fell down stairs with in the past year and was involved in an auto accident 3 years ago.

She reports monthly headaches which intensify during menstruation, stress-related jaw tightness, and severe anxiety preventing her from driving. Sitting long periods of time cause pain in her tailbone region. She practices yoga daily, works remotely, and takes antidepressants and anxiety medication. She abstains from alcohol, has been vegetarian for six years, and has no smoking history. She reports regular dental care but notes occasional jaw discomfort linked to stress. Patient has gone through a thorough medical evaluation and treatment with little changes in her symptoms.

Physical Exam Findings:

  • Weight: 110 lbs.
  • Height: 5'6"
  • Temperature: 98.7°F (normal)
  • Pulse: 60 bpm (normal)
  • Blood Pressure: 110/66 mmHg (normal)
  • Positive - Foraminal compression, Jackson cervical compression, decompression cervical test, Pressure test on the Right TMJ with noticeable deviation on observation test.
  • Loss of cervical range on motion minimally with associated myospasm and tenderness along the posterior cervical spine to include the upper back region (trapezius and levator scapula muscles) bilaterally.
  • Negative - George’s test
  • Negative Valsalva’s test with normal lower back range of motion
  • Xray’s revealed loss of cervical lordosis with arthritic degeneration levels C4-5, C5-6, C6-7. Extensive dental work noticed (filings) on one side.


Question: Based on this clinical history, what are some of the differential diagnoses that you are considering?

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