Differential Diagnosis for Vertigo with Mild Hearing Loss on Left Ear
- 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 mild hearing loss. Its high prevalence and the match with the symptoms presented make it the most likely diagnosis.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Meniere's Disease - A disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing, causing vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear fullness. The symptoms can vary in severity and frequency.
- Labyrinthitis - An inner ear disorder characterized by inflammation of the part of the inner ear responsible for balance (labyrinth), which can cause vertigo and hearing loss.
- Vestibular Neuritis - Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, leading to vertigo, which can be accompanied by mild hearing loss in some cases.
- Do Not Miss diagnoses:
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) - Although less common, vertigo can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, especially if accompanied by other neurological deficits. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Acoustic Neuroma - A non-cancerous tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Early detection is important for treatment planning.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Otosclerosis - A condition in which there is abnormal bone growth in the middle ear, leading to hearing loss, which can occasionally be accompanied by vertigo.
- Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence - A rare condition where there is an abnormal opening in the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal, causing vertigo and hearing symptoms.
- Cogan Syndrome - A rare disorder characterized by recurrent corneal inflammation and vestibular-auditory symptoms, including vertigo and hearing loss.