Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: September 8, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for a 17-year-old boy with Shakiness, Jitteriness, and Lightheadedness

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Anxiety or Panic Disorder: Given the symptoms of shakiness, jitteriness, and lightheadedness, and with all labs being normal except for a slightly low vitamin D level, anxiety or panic disorder is a plausible explanation. These conditions can manifest physically in ways that mimic other medical issues, and the psychological aspect should be considered, especially in adolescents.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Hyperventilation Syndrome: This condition can cause lightheadedness, shakiness, and jitteriness due to rapid breathing, leading to respiratory alkalosis. It's often associated with anxiety but can be a standalone issue.
  • Dehydration or Electrolyte Imbalance: Although the CBC and CMP are normal, mild dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance not severe enough to be detected by these tests could still cause symptoms. The slightly low vitamin D level might also contribute to muscle weakness or discomfort, potentially exacerbating feelings of shakiness.
  • Caffeine or Substance-Induced Anxiety: Consumption of caffeine, nicotine, or other substances can lead to jitteriness, shakiness, and feelings of lightheadedness, especially in sensitive individuals or at high doses.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodes of hypertension, tachycardia, sweating, and tremors. Although unlikely, missing this diagnosis could be fatal, so it's crucial to consider it, especially if the patient reports episodic symptoms.
  • Cardiac Arrhythmias: Conditions like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) can cause palpitations, lightheadedness, and shakiness. An ECG would be necessary to diagnose arrhythmias, which could be life-threatening if not addressed.
  • Orthostatic Hypotension: A significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can cause lightheadedness and shakiness. This could be due to dehydration, blood loss, or certain medications.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Mitochondrial Myopathies: A group of disorders that affect the mitochondria, leading to muscle weakness and other systemic symptoms. While rare, they could potentially cause the described symptoms, especially if there's a family history.
  • Wilson's Disease: A genetic disorder leading to copper accumulation in the body, which can cause neurological symptoms, including tremors. It's rare but should be considered in young patients with unexplained neurological symptoms.
  • Adrenal Insufficiency: Although the cortisol level is not mentioned, adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) can cause a range of symptoms, including lightheadedness and shakiness, due to insufficient production of adrenal hormones.

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.