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: October 2, 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 Low BP, Blurred Vision, and Extreme Fatigue

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Hypovolemic Shock: This condition is characterized by low blood pressure due to inadequate blood volume, which can lead to decreased perfusion of vital organs. Symptoms such as blurred vision and extreme fatigue can occur due to insufficient blood flow to the brain and muscles. Common causes include severe dehydration, bleeding, or significant burns.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Dehydration: Severe dehydration can cause low blood pressure, blurred vision (due to decreased tear production and possible electrolyte imbalances), and extreme fatigue. It's a common condition that can result from inadequate fluid intake, excessive fluid loss (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting), or increased fluid needs (e.g., fever).
  • Anemia: Low red blood cell count or hemoglobin can lead to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, resulting in fatigue and possibly blurred vision if the retina is under-oxygenated. Anemia can cause a decrease in blood pressure due to reduced blood viscosity.
  • Adrenal Insufficiency: This condition, where the adrenal glands do not produce adequate amounts of hormones like cortisol and aldosterone, can lead to hypotension, fatigue, and visual disturbances due to electrolyte imbalances affecting the eyes.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Septic Shock: Although it might present with hypotension, the context (e.g., fever, recent infection) would typically be different. However, it's crucial to consider because septic shock is life-threatening and requires immediate intervention.
  • Cardiogenic Shock: This condition, resulting from the heart's inability to pump enough blood, can cause hypotension and symptoms like fatigue. Visual disturbances might occur due to decreased cerebral perfusion.
  • Pituitary Apoplexy: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition where a pituitary tumor suddenly hemorrhages or infarcts, leading to acute hypopituitarism. Symptoms can include sudden severe headache, visual disturbances (including blurred vision), and hypotension.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Pheochromocytoma: A rare tumor of the adrenal gland that can cause episodes of high blood pressure but also orthostatic hypotension, leading to symptoms like blurred vision and fatigue during episodes of hypotension.
  • Multiple System Atrophy (MSA): A rare neurodegenerative disorder that can cause autonomic dysfunction, leading to orthostatic hypotension, blurred vision (due to pupil dysfunction), and fatigue among other symptoms.

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.