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Differential Diagnosis for a 15-year-old Patient with Sudden Dizziness Causing Fall

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Vasovagal Syncope: This is a common cause of sudden dizziness and fainting in adolescents, often triggered by stress, pain, or prolonged standing. It's characterized by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to reduced blood flow to the brain.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Orthostatic Hypotension: This condition occurs when there's a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing, which can cause dizziness and fainting. It can be due to dehydration, medication, or autonomic nervous system dysfunction.
  • Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo (BPV): Although more common in younger children, BPV can occur in adolescents, causing sudden, brief episodes of vertigo, often triggered by specific head movements.
  • Anxiety or Panic Attack: Anxiety and panic attacks can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and a feeling of impending doom, potentially leading to falls.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Cardiac Arrhythmias: Conditions like supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or long QT syndrome can cause sudden dizziness and fainting due to abnormal heart rhythms. These conditions can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage or Other Intracranial Bleeds: Although rare in adolescents, these conditions can present with sudden onset of severe headache, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
  • Seizure Disorders: Certain types of seizures, such as absence seizures or complex partial seizures, can cause sudden loss of consciousness or dizziness.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Multiple Sclerosis: This autoimmune disease can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including dizziness and vertigo, although it's relatively rare in adolescents.
  • Chiari Malformation: A structural defect in the cerebellum that can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems, especially with certain head movements.
  • Inner Ear Disorders (e.g., Meniere's Disease): These conditions can cause vertigo, dizziness, and hearing loss, but are less common in adolescents.

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.

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