Differential Diagnosis for Dizziness
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is often the most common cause of dizziness, especially in older adults. It is characterized by brief, episodic vertigo triggered by specific head movements, with a benign course and effective treatment options available.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vestibular Migraine: A common cause of dizziness, especially in individuals with a history of migraines. It can present with or without headache and is often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound.
- Labyrinthitis: An inner ear disorder characterized by inflammation of the labyrinth, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. It can be viral or bacterial in origin.
- Medication-induced Dizziness: Many medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can cause dizziness as a side effect.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A condition where blood pressure drops upon standing, 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, stroke or TIA can present with sudden onset dizziness, and missing this diagnosis can be catastrophic. It requires immediate medical attention.
- Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that can cause severe vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and aural fullness. While not immediately life-threatening, it significantly impacts quality of life and requires proper management.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: Certain heart rhythm disorders can cause dizziness due to inadequate blood flow to the brain. Identifying and treating these conditions is crucial to prevent serious complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Acoustic Neuroma: A rare, benign tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause dizziness, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including dizziness.
- Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by persistent dizziness and imbalance after a sea voyage or other motion experience.
- Vestibular Paroxysmia: A rare disorder of the vestibular nerve, causing brief, recurrent episodes of vertigo.