Differential Diagnosis for Vertigo and Memory Loss
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by brief, episodic vertigo triggered by specific head movements, and it can be associated with memory loss due to the anxiety and stress caused by the vertigo episodes.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Meniere's disease: A disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Memory loss can occur due to the stress and anxiety associated with the disease.
- Vestibular migraine: A condition that causes vertigo, headache, and sensitivity to light and sound. Memory loss can be a symptom of migraine aura or a side effect of medication.
- Inner ear infection (labyrinthitis): An infection of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and memory loss due to the inflammation and damage to the inner ear structures.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): A stroke or TIA can cause vertigo and memory loss, and it is essential to rule out these conditions as they require immediate medical attention.
- Brain tumor: A tumor in the brain, particularly in the cerebellum or brainstem, can cause vertigo and memory loss due to the compression of surrounding brain tissue.
- Multiple sclerosis: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause vertigo, memory loss, and other neurological symptoms due to the damage to the central nervous system.
- Rare diagnoses
- Acoustic neuroma: A rare, benign tumor that grows on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, causing vertigo, hearing loss, and memory loss.
- Chiari malformation: A rare structural defect in the brain that can cause vertigo, memory loss, and other neurological symptoms due to the compression of the brainstem and cerebellum.