Differential Diagnosis for Intermittent Loss of Postural Tone
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Drop Attacks: This condition is characterized by sudden, brief losses of postural tone, often without loss of consciousness. It's a common cause of intermittent loss of postural tone, particularly in older adults.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A condition where blood pressure drops when standing up, leading to dizziness or fainting. It can cause intermittent loss of postural tone due to decreased blood flow to the brain.
- Seizures: Certain types of seizures, such as atonic or tonic seizures, can cause a sudden loss of postural tone. The intermittent nature of these events can make them difficult to diagnose.
- Cataplexy: A condition characterized by sudden, brief episodes of muscle weakness often triggered by strong emotions. It can cause intermittent loss of postural tone, especially in patients with narcolepsy.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: Conditions like atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia can cause intermittent loss of postural tone due to decreased cardiac output. Missing these diagnoses can be fatal.
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Sudden loss of postural tone can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent further brain damage.
- Subclavian Steal Syndrome: A condition where blood flow is diverted from the brain to the arm, causing symptoms like dizziness, syncope, or loss of postural tone.
Rare Diagnoses
- Narcolepsy: While cataplexy is a symptom of narcolepsy, the condition itself is rare and may cause intermittent loss of postural tone.
- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): A rare neurodegenerative disorder that can cause autonomic dysfunction, including orthostatic hypotension and loss of postural tone.
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP): A rare brain disorder that can cause loss of postural tone, among other symptoms like difficulty moving the eyes and dementia.