Differential Diagnosis for Dizziness and COVID-19
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: These conditions are common causes of dizziness and can be triggered by viral infections, including COVID-19. The symptoms often include sudden onset of vertigo, nausea, and vomiting, which can be debilitating.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by brief, intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements. It can be exacerbated by or coincidentally occur with COVID-19.
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): Some patients with COVID-19 may experience POTS, which can cause dizziness upon standing due to autonomic dysfunction.
- Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: COVID-19 can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, which may cause dizziness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Although less common, dizziness can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other neurological deficits. Missing this diagnosis could be catastrophic.
- Myocardial infarction or cardiac arrhythmias: Dizziness can be a presenting symptom of cardiac issues, including myocardial infarction or arrhythmias, which require immediate medical attention.
- Severe COVID-19 complications: In rare cases, COVID-19 can lead to severe complications such as encephalitis, meningitis, or sepsis, which can present with dizziness among other symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Autoimmune inner ear disease: This is a rare condition where the immune system attacks the inner ear, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. It could potentially be triggered by COVID-19 in susceptible individuals.
- Cerebellopontine angle tumors: Although very rare, tumors in this area can cause dizziness and vertigo. COVID-19 might coincidentally occur with the discovery of such a tumor.