Differential Diagnosis for Tremors, Visual Loss, and Aggressive Behavior
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Huntington's Disease: This is a progressive brain disorder that causes certain nerve cells in the brain to waste away. It's characterized by a combination of motor, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms, including tremors, visual disturbances, and aggressive behavior, which aligns with the symptoms described.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Parkinson's Disease: While primarily known for its motor symptoms like tremors, Parkinson's can also lead to visual disturbances and psychiatric symptoms, including aggression, especially in advanced stages or as part of dementia associated with Parkinson's.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including tremors, visual loss, and mood changes that might include aggression. The disease's unpredictable nature and potential for a wide variety of symptoms make it a consideration.
- Alzheimer's Disease: Especially in its later stages, Alzheimer's can lead to aggression and significant changes in behavior. Visual disturbances can also occur, and while tremors are less common, they can be part of the disease's progression or related to other medications or conditions.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Wilson's Disease: A rare genetic disorder that leads to copper accumulation in the brain and liver. It can cause tremors, psychiatric symptoms, and visual disturbances. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal due to the potential for liver failure and brain damage if left untreated.
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A rare, degenerative, fatal brain disorder that can cause a range of neurological symptoms, including tremors, visual disturbances, and significant changes in behavior and personality. Its rapid progression and fatal outcome make it crucial not to miss.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Can lead to neurological symptoms, including tremors and visual disturbances, along with psychiatric symptoms. While less likely to cause aggressive behavior directly, the deficiency can lead to significant neurological and psychiatric issues if not addressed.
Rare Diagnoses
- Kuru: A prion disease similar to Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease but transmitted through cannibalism. It causes neurological deterioration, including tremors and balance problems, but is extremely rare and limited to specific cultural practices.
- Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker Disease (GSS): Another rare prion disease that affects the brain, leading to symptoms like tremors, difficulty with coordination and balance, and dementia. Its rarity and specific inheritance pattern make it less likely but still a consideration in differential diagnosis.
- Fatal Insomnia (FI): A rare genetic degenerative brain disorder that leads to gradual degeneration of the brain's ability to sleep, followed by other neurological symptoms. While not directly associated with tremors or visual loss, its impact on behavior and cognition could potentially align with some of the described symptoms in a very late stage.