Differential Diagnosis for Vertigo with Fever
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Viral labyrinthitis: This condition is a common cause of vertigo and is often accompanied by fever, especially if it's part of a viral upper respiratory infection. The inflammation of the labyrinth in the inner ear can lead to symptoms of vertigo, hearing loss, and sometimes fever.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Bacterial labyrinthitis: Similar to viral labyrinthitis but caused by bacterial infection, which can be more severe and may require antibiotic treatment. Fever is a common symptom.
- Vestibular neuritis: An inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which can cause vertigo. While it's not always associated with fever, it can occur in the context of a viral infection that also presents with fever.
- Middle ear infection (otitis media): Can cause vertigo if the infection spreads to the inner ear structures. Fever is a common symptom of otitis media.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Meningitis: Although less common, meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) can present with vertigo, fever, and other neurological symptoms. It's a medical emergency.
- Stroke or cerebellar infarction: Vertigo can be a presenting symptom of a stroke, especially if it involves the cerebellum or brainstem. Fever might not always be present but can occur due to associated infections or inflammation.
- Brain abscess: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can cause vertigo among other neurological symptoms, along with fever.
- Rare diagnoses
- Multiple sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including vertigo. While fever is not a primary symptom, it can occur during relapses.
- Syphilis (late stage): Can cause a variety of neurological symptoms, including vertigo, but this would be a rare presentation and typically occurs in the context of known syphilis infection.
- Autoimmune inner ear disease: A rare condition where the immune system attacks the inner ear, leading to vertigo and hearing loss. Fever might be present if there's an associated inflammatory response.