Differential Diagnosis for Persistent Rocking Sensation
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: This condition is characterized by a persistent rocking or swaying sensation after being on a boat or ship. It's the most likely diagnosis due to the specific symptom of a rocking sensation, which is a hallmark of this syndrome.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Vestibular Migraine: This condition can cause a variety of symptoms including vertigo, dizziness, and a sensation of rocking or swaying. It's a likely diagnosis due to the overlap of symptoms with the persistent rocking sensation.
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Although BPPV typically causes brief episodes of vertigo, some patients may experience a persistent sensation of imbalance or rocking, making it a possible diagnosis.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, a stroke or TIA can cause sudden onset of vertigo or a rocking sensation. It's crucial to rule out these conditions due to their potential for severe consequences if missed.
- Multiple Sclerosis: In rare cases, multiple sclerosis can cause vertigo or a sensation of rocking due to lesions in the brainstem or cerebellum. Given the potential severity of the disease, it's essential to consider it in the differential diagnosis.
- Rare diagnoses
- Chiari Malformation: This rare structural defect in the brain can cause a variety of symptoms including vertigo, dizziness, and a sensation of rocking or swaying.
- Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: This rare condition involves an abnormal opening in the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal, leading to vertigo and a sensation of rocking or swaying in response to sound or pressure changes.