Differential Diagnosis for Left Inferior Cerebellar Lacunar
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lacunar Infarct: The most common cause of a lacunar syndrome, which presents with a specific set of symptoms due to the occlusion of a small penetrating artery, in this case, likely affecting the left inferior cerebellum.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cerebellar Hemorrhage: Although less common than infarcts, hemorrhages can occur in the cerebellum and present with sudden onset of symptoms, including ataxia, dysarthria, and potential brainstem compression signs.
- Cerebellitis: Inflammation of the cerebellum, which can be due to infectious or autoimmune causes, presenting with cerebellar symptoms such as ataxia, dysarthria, and nystagmus.
- Demyleinating Disease (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis): Can present with a wide range of neurological symptoms, including cerebellar signs, depending on the location of the lesions.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Posterior Circulation Aneurysm: Although rare, an aneurysm in the posterior circulation can compress or rupture and cause symptoms similar to a lacunar infarct, with potentially catastrophic consequences if missed.
- Cerebral Venous Thrombosis: Can cause cerebellar symptoms if the thrombosis involves the veins draining the cerebellum, and is critical to diagnose due to the need for anticoagulation.
- Brainstem Tumor: A tumor in the brainstem can cause a variety of symptoms, including cerebellar signs, and is crucial to diagnose due to the potential for significant morbidity and mortality.
Rare Diagnoses
- Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes (MELAS): A rare mitochondrial disorder that can cause stroke-like episodes, including in the cerebellum.
- Cerebellar Abscess: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis: A rare genetic disorder that can cause cerebellar ataxia among other symptoms, due to the accumulation of cholestanol in the brain and other tissues.