Differential Diagnosis for Dizziness, Nausea, Following Viral Symptoms
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral labyrinthitis: This condition is a likely cause given the symptoms of dizziness and nausea following viral symptoms. Viral labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo, dizziness, and nausea, often following a viral infection.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vestibular neuritis: Similar to viral labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis is an inner ear disorder that can cause severe vertigo, dizziness, and nausea, often following a viral infection.
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Although BPPV can occur without a clear cause, it may be triggered by a viral infection, leading to brief but intense episodes of vertigo and nausea.
- Post-viral fatigue syndrome: Some viral infections can lead to prolonged fatigue, which may contribute to feelings of dizziness and nausea.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Although less likely, it is crucial to rule out a stroke or TIA, as these conditions can present with sudden dizziness or vertigo and require immediate medical attention.
- Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Viral symptoms followed by severe headache, fever, and dizziness could indicate meningitis.
- Brain tumor: A brain tumor, although rare, could cause dizziness and nausea, especially if it affects the brainstem or cerebellum.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can cause a wide range of symptoms, including dizziness and nausea, although it is less likely to present with these symptoms following viral infections.
- Acoustic neuroma: A rare, non-cancerous tumor that grows on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause dizziness, nausea, and balance problems.
- Mal de débarquement syndrome: A rare condition that causes persistent dizziness and nausea after a viral infection or other triggers, often related to inner ear problems.