Differential Diagnosis for Dizziness
The following differential diagnosis is organized into categories to help identify potential causes of the patient's new onset of dizziness.
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is a common cause of vertigo, especially in older adults. The patient's history of vertigo and the new onset of different dizziness suggest that BPPV could be the culprit, as it can be triggered by changes in head position.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Meniere's disease: This inner ear disorder can cause vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. The patient's history of vertigo and the new onset of different dizziness could be indicative of Meniere's disease.
- Vestibular migraine: This condition can cause vertigo, dizziness, and headaches. The patient's history of vertigo and the new onset of different dizziness could be related to vestibular migraine.
- Inner ear infection (e.g., labyrinthitis): An inner ear infection can cause vertigo, dizziness, and hearing loss. The patient's new onset of different dizziness could be indicative of an inner ear infection.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less likely, a stroke or TIA can cause sudden onset of dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance. It is crucial to rule out these conditions, as they require immediate medical attention.
- Brain tumor: A brain tumor can cause dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, especially if it is located in the cerebellum or brainstem. Although rare, it is essential to consider this possibility, especially given the patient's scheduled brain MRI.
- Rare diagnoses
- Multiple sclerosis: This autoimmune disease can cause vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance, especially during relapses. Although rare, it is essential to consider this possibility, especially if the patient has other neurological symptoms.
- Acoustic neuroma: This rare tumor can cause vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance, as well as hearing loss and tinnitus. Although rare, it is essential to consider this possibility, especially given the patient's scheduled brain MRI.