Differential Diagnosis for a 58-year-old Male with New-Onset Seizures
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) or Stroke: This is a common cause of new-onset seizures in older adults. The sudden onset of seizures could be indicative of a stroke, especially if there are other symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or changes in speech.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Brain Tumor: Both primary and metastatic brain tumors can cause seizures. Given the age of the patient, metastatic tumors from other primary sites (e.g., lung, breast, melanoma) should be considered.
- Alcohol Withdrawal: If the patient has a history of alcohol abuse, alcohol withdrawal could be a cause of seizures.
- Infections (e.g., Meningitis, Encephalitis): Although less common, infections of the central nervous system can cause seizures and should be considered, especially if there are symptoms of infection such as fever, headache, or confusion.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: Recent head trauma could lead to seizures, even if the trauma seemed minor.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A life-threatening condition that requires immediate intervention. Seizures can be a presenting symptom, especially if there is significant blood in the subarachnoid space irritating the brain.
- Central Nervous System Vasculitis: Although rare, this condition can cause seizures and requires prompt treatment to prevent further brain damage.
- Intracranial Hemorrhage: Similar to subarachnoid hemorrhage, other types of intracranial hemorrhages (e.g., intraparenchymal, epidural, subdural) can present with seizures and are medical emergencies.
Rare Diagnoses
- Paraneoplastic Syndromes: Rarely, seizures can be the first manifestation of a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with a distant cancer.
- Autoimmune Encephalitis: Conditions like NMDA receptor encephalitis or other forms of autoimmune encephalitis can cause seizures and are important to consider, especially if other causes are ruled out.
- Mitochondrial Disorders: In some cases, mitochondrial disorders can present with seizures in adults, although this is more commonly seen in younger patients.