Differential Diagnosis for Dizziness with Nausea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by brief, intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements, often accompanied by nausea. It's a common cause of dizziness and can be diagnosed with a thorough history and physical examination, including the Dix-Hallpike maneuver.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vestibular Migraine: A condition that involves vertigo, often accompanied by headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. It's a common cause of dizziness in patients with a history of migraines.
- Labyrinthitis: An inner ear disorder characterized by inflammation of the labyrinth, leading to vertigo, nausea, and hearing loss. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.
- Motion Sickness: A common condition triggered by conflicting signals between the sensory systems, leading to nausea, vomiting, and dizziness during travel.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, stroke or TIA can present with sudden onset of dizziness or vertigo, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty with speech. Early recognition is crucial for timely intervention.
- Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing, leading to episodes of vertigo, nausea, and tinnitus. While not immediately life-threatening, it significantly impacts quality of life and requires proper management.
- Acoustic Neuroma: A rare, benign tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause dizziness, nausea, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including dizziness and nausea, especially during relapses.
- Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by a persistent feeling of swaying or rocking after a voyage, which can last for months and is accompanied by nausea.
- Perilymphatic Fistula: A rare condition involving an abnormal connection between the inner and middle ear, leading to vertigo, nausea, and hearing loss, often after head trauma, barotrauma, or heavy lifting.