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Differential Diagnosis for Vertigo in the ED

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause of vertigo, accounting for approximately 20-30% of cases. It is characterized by brief, episodic vertigo triggered by specific head movements, with a benign course and high response rate to canalith repositioning procedures.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve or inner ear, often presenting with sudden onset of vertigo, nausea, and vomiting, and sometimes hearing loss. It is usually viral in nature and can be treated with vestibular suppressants and supportive care.
  • Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing, characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear fullness. Management includes dietary modifications, vestibular suppressants, and sometimes surgery.
  • Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Some patients with migraines can experience vertigo as part of their migraine syndrome. The diagnosis is often made based on the patient's history of migraines and the presence of other migraine symptoms during episodes of vertigo.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Posterior Circulation Stroke (e.g., Lateral Medullary Syndrome, Cerebellar Stroke): Although less common, stroke is a critical diagnosis to consider in patients presenting with vertigo, especially if accompanied by other neurological deficits, such as dysarthria, ataxia, or weakness. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial for outcomes.
  • Multiple Sclerosis: In rare cases, vertigo can be a presenting symptom of multiple sclerosis, particularly if associated with other neurological symptoms such as optic neuritis, weakness, or sensory deficits.
  • Vertebrobasilar Insufficiency: This condition involves transient ischemic attacks in the posterior circulation and can present with vertigo among other symptoms like diplopia, dysarthria, and ataxia.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor on the vestibular nerve that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. It is much less common than other causes of vertigo but is important to consider in patients with progressive symptoms.
  • Autoimmune Inner Ear Disease: A rare condition where the immune system attacks the inner ear, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and sometimes balance problems. It can be treated with immunosuppressive therapy.
  • Superior Canal Dehiscence: A rare condition where there is an abnormal opening in the bone overlying the superior canal of the inner ear, leading to vertigo and hearing symptoms in response to sound or pressure changes.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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