Differential Diagnosis for Loss of Balance with Radiculopathy
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cervical Spondylosis: This condition is a common cause of loss of balance and radiculopathy, particularly in older adults. It involves wear and tear on the discs in the neck, which can lead to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, resulting in symptoms such as loss of balance, numbness, and weakness.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lumbar Disc Herniation: Although more commonly associated with lower back pain and radiculopathy, a large lumbar disc herniation can cause upper motor neuron signs, including loss of balance, due to compression of the spinal cord.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Conditions like diabetic neuropathy can cause loss of balance due to sensory deficits, and may also present with radiculopathy, especially if there is nerve root involvement.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: This deficiency can cause a range of neurological symptoms, including loss of balance, radiculopathy, and gait disturbances, due to demyelination of the spinal cord.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Spinal Cord Compression: Conditions such as spinal tumors, epidural abscess, or hematoma can cause rapid progression of symptoms, including loss of balance and radiculopathy. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent permanent neurological damage.
- Multiple Sclerosis: Although less common, multiple sclerosis can present with a wide range of neurological symptoms, including loss of balance and radiculopathy. It is essential to consider this diagnosis to initiate appropriate treatment.
- Cauda Equina Syndrome: A medical emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention, cauda equina syndrome can cause loss of balance, radiculopathy, and other symptoms such as bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tabes Dorsalis: A rare complication of untreated syphilis, tabes dorsalis can cause loss of balance, radiculopathy, and other neurological symptoms due to demyelination of the spinal cord.
- Subacute Combined Degeneration: A rare condition caused by vitamin B12 deficiency, it can lead to demyelination of the spinal cord, resulting in loss of balance, radiculopathy, and other neurological symptoms.
- Arachnoiditis: Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane surrounding the spinal cord can cause a range of symptoms, including loss of balance and radiculopathy, although it is a rare condition.