Differential Diagnosis for Giddiness
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause of vertigo and giddiness, often triggered by specific head movements. It's characterized by brief but intense episodes of vertigo.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Vestibular Migraine: A condition that involves vertigo, often accompanied by headache, sensitivity to light and sound, and sometimes, visual auras. It's a common cause of giddiness in patients with a history of migraines.
- Labyrinthitis: An inner ear disorder characterized by inflammation of the labyrinth, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and sometimes, tinnitus. It can be caused by viral or bacterial infections.
- Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing, causing episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, vertigo can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially when accompanied by other neurological deficits such as weakness, numbness, or difficulty with speech.
- Posterior Circulation Infarct: A stroke in the posterior circulation can present with vertigo, among other symptoms like difficulty with coordination and balance.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that can affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms, including vertigo.
- Rare diagnoses
- Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Otosclerosis: A condition in which there is abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss and sometimes, vertigo.
- Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: A rare condition that occurs after a period of exposure to motion (like a boat ride), causing a persistent feeling of swaying or rocking.