Differential Diagnosis for Nausea, Vomiting, Low Grade Fever, and Extremity Stiffness

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Viral gastroenteritis: This condition is characterized by nausea, vomiting, and low-grade fever, which are common symptoms. Extremity stiffness could be related to dehydration or the viral infection itself affecting muscle and joint function.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Food poisoning: Similar to viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, and fever. Extremity stiffness might be due to the body's reaction to the toxin or infection.
  • Influenza: Although more commonly associated with respiratory symptoms, influenza can also cause systemic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, and body aches, which could include extremity stiffness.
  • Lyme disease: Early stages of Lyme disease can present with fever, nausea, and joint stiffness, although vomiting is less common. It's a consideration based on geographical location and exposure history.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Meningitis: Although less likely, meningitis is a critical diagnosis that cannot be missed. Early symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, and stiffness, particularly neck stiffness. Extremity stiffness could be an early or atypical presentation.
  • Septic arthritis: This condition involves a joint infection and can present with fever, joint stiffness, and systemic symptoms like nausea and vomiting. It requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications.
  • Botulism: A rare but potentially deadly condition that can cause nausea, vomiting, fever, and muscle stiffness. Early recognition is crucial for effective treatment.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can follow a viral infection, leading to ascending paralysis and potentially starting with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and extremity stiffness.
  • Tick-borne illnesses (e.g., Rocky Mountain spotted fever): These can present with fever, nausea, vomiting, and joint or extremity pain and stiffness, depending on the specific disease and stage of infection.
  • Rheumatic fever: A complication of untreated streptococcal infection, which can cause fever, joint stiffness, and sometimes nausea and vomiting, although it's more commonly associated with cardiac and joint manifestations.