Symptom Finder - Scalp Tenderness
SCALP TENDERNESS
The cause of scalp tenderness can best be recalled utilizing the mnemonic MINT.
M—Mental disorders such as pseudoneurosis can be associated with diffuse scalp tenderness.
I—Inflammation would bring to mind herpes zoster, pediculosis, tinea capitis, cellulitis, an infected sebaceous cyst, and impetigo.
N—Neurologic disorders associated with a tender scalp include temporal arteritis, occipital nerve entrapment, trigeminal neuralgia, and neoplasms that involve the cranium and meninges (i.e., meningioma).
T—Trauma would suggest scalp contusions, fractures, and hematomas.
Approach to the Diagnosis
Most skin conditions should be easily diagnosed by inspection. A Wood lamp inspection would assist in the diagnosis of tinea capitis. A potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of scraping may be necessary. Skin biopsy will diagnose other skin disorders. A sedimentation rate and biopsy of the superficial temporal artery will diagnose temporal arteritis. If occipital nerve entrapment is suspected, a nerve block should be done to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays of the skull and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary, but a neurologist should be consulted before ordering expensive diagnostic tests.
The cause of scalp tenderness can best be recalled utilizing the mnemonic MINT.
M—Mental disorders such as pseudoneurosis can be associated with diffuse scalp tenderness.
I—Inflammation would bring to mind herpes zoster, pediculosis, tinea capitis, cellulitis, an infected sebaceous cyst, and impetigo.
N—Neurologic disorders associated with a tender scalp include temporal arteritis, occipital nerve entrapment, trigeminal neuralgia, and neoplasms that involve the cranium and meninges (i.e., meningioma).
T—Trauma would suggest scalp contusions, fractures, and hematomas.
Approach to the Diagnosis
Most skin conditions should be easily diagnosed by inspection. A Wood lamp inspection would assist in the diagnosis of tinea capitis. A potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of scraping may be necessary. Skin biopsy will diagnose other skin disorders. A sedimentation rate and biopsy of the superficial temporal artery will diagnose temporal arteritis. If occipital nerve entrapment is suspected, a nerve block should be done to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays of the skull and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be necessary, but a neurologist should be consulted before ordering expensive diagnostic tests.
