Differential Diagnosis for Dizziness when Moving Head to the Left
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by brief, intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements, such as turning the head to the left. It is the most common cause of vertigo and is related to the movement of otolith crystals in the inner ear.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Labyrinthitis: An inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems. It often results from a viral or bacterial infection and can be triggered by head movements.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which can cause severe vertigo, especially when moving the head. It is often related to a viral infection.
- Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing, causing episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Head movements can exacerbate symptoms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, a stroke or TIA can present with sudden onset of vertigo, especially if accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking. It is crucial to rule out these conditions due to their high morbidity and mortality.
- Posterior Circulation Stroke: A specific type of stroke that can cause vertigo, among other symptoms, due to its effect on the brainstem and cerebellum.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including vertigo, especially if there is involvement of the brainstem or cerebellum.
Rare Diagnoses
- Acoustic Neuroma: A rare, benign tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Perilymphatic Fistula: A rare condition involving an abnormal connection between the inner and middle ear, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and other symptoms, often triggered by changes in pressure or head movements.
- Chiari Malformation: A structural defect in the cerebellum that controls balance, which can cause vertigo, among other neurological symptoms, especially with head movements or coughing.