Differential Diagnosis for Vertigo, Ear Pain, and Blurry Vision
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by brief, intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements. It can also cause ear pain and, due to the intense vertigo, potentially lead to blurry vision. BPPV is a common cause of vertigo and can be related to inner ear problems.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Labyrinthitis: An inner ear disorder that can cause vertigo, ear pain, and sometimes vision changes due to inflammation of the labyrinth. It often follows a viral infection.
- Vestibular Migraine: A condition that can cause vertigo, headaches, and visual disturbances, including blurry vision. Ear pain can also be a symptom, especially if the migraine affects the nerves related to the ear.
- Middle Ear Infection: Infections in the middle ear can cause ear pain and, if severe, lead to vertigo and vision disturbances due to the proximity of the middle ear to the inner ear and cranial nerves.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, a stroke or TIA can cause sudden onset of vertigo, vision changes (including blurriness), and sometimes ear pain if the brainstem or cerebellum is affected. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
- Multiple Sclerosis: This autoimmune disease can cause a wide range of neurological symptoms, including vertigo, vision problems, and sometimes ear pain, especially during relapses.
- Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, which can cause vertigo, ear pain, and vision changes due to its location and potential to compress nearby structures.
Rare Diagnoses
- Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. Vision can be affected indirectly due to the severe vertigo.
- Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence: A rare condition where there is an abnormal opening in the bone overlying the superior semicircular canal of the inner ear, leading to vertigo and hearing symptoms, potentially including ear pain and vision disturbances.
- Cerebellopontine Angle Tumors: Tumors in this area can cause a variety of symptoms, including vertigo, ear pain, and vision changes, due to their location near critical brain and ear structures.