Differential Diagnosis for Cerebellar with Visual Symptoms
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Cerebellar Stroke: This is a common condition that can cause cerebellar symptoms such as ataxia, dysarthria, and nystagmus, and may also lead to visual disturbances due to involvement of the brainstem or cranial nerves.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Multiple Sclerosis: This autoimmune disease can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including cerebellar ataxia and visual disturbances such as optic neuritis or diplopia.
- Cerebellar Ataxia with Neuropathy and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS): A rare condition that presents with progressive cerebellar ataxia, neuropathy, and vestibular dysfunction, which can cause visual symptoms due to vestibular-ocular reflex abnormalities.
- Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA): A group of autosomal dominant disorders that cause progressive cerebellar degeneration, which can lead to visual symptoms such as nystagmus, diplopia, or blurred vision.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Brain Tumor (e.g., Cerebellar Hemangioblastoma or Medulloblastoma): Although less common, brain tumors can cause cerebellar symptoms and visual disturbances, and prompt diagnosis is crucial for treatment and prognosis.
- Wernicke's Encephalopathy: A life-threatening condition caused by thiamine deficiency, which can present with cerebellar ataxia, ophthalmoplegia, and confusion, requiring immediate treatment.
- Cerebral Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain can cause a wide range of symptoms, including cerebellar ataxia and visual disturbances, and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent further damage.
- Rare diagnoses
- Ataxia-Telangiectasia: A rare genetic disorder that causes progressive cerebellar degeneration, immunodeficiency, and an increased risk of cancer, which can also lead to visual symptoms such as nystagmus and strabismus.
- Abetalipoproteinemia: A rare genetic disorder that affects fat absorption and can cause progressive cerebellar ataxia, visual disturbances, and other systemic symptoms.
- Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis: A rare genetic disorder that causes accumulation of cholesterol in the brain and tendons, leading to cerebellar ataxia, visual disturbances, and other systemic symptoms.