Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 10, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

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.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.