Differential Diagnosis for Dizziness
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by brief, episodic vertigo triggered by specific head movements. 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, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes visual auras. 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, which can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. It often follows a viral infection.
- Medication Side Effects: Various medications, including antihistamines, sedatives, and certain antidepressants, can cause dizziness as a side effect.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A condition where blood pressure drops when standing up, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness. It can be due to dehydration, blood loss, or certain medications.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, dizziness can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty with speech.
- Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that causes severe dizziness (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. While not immediately life-threatening, it significantly impacts quality of life.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: Certain heart rhythm disorders can cause dizziness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain.
- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar can cause dizziness, confusion, and loss of consciousness if not promptly treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Acoustic Neuroma: A non-cancerous tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, which can cause vertigo among other neurological symptoms.
- Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: A rare condition where people feel like they are rocking or swaying after a boat trip, which can last for months.
- Vestibular Paroxysmia: A rare condition characterized by brief, repetitive episodes of vertigo, often triggered by specific head movements.