Differential Diagnosis for Dizziness
Dizziness is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of conditions. Here's a differential diagnosis organized into categories:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is a common cause of dizziness, especially in older adults. It is characterized by brief, episodic vertigo triggered by specific head movements.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vestibular Migraine: A condition that causes vertigo, often accompanied by headache, sensitivity to light and sound, and nausea.
- Labyrinthitis: An inner ear disorder that causes dizziness, hearing loss, and balance problems.
- Medication Side Effects: Certain medications, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can cause dizziness as a side effect.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A condition that causes dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up from sitting or lying down.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, dizziness can be a symptom of a stroke or TIA, which requires immediate medical attention.
- Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that causes vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
- Multiple Sclerosis: A chronic condition that can cause dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Acoustic Neuroma: A rare, non-cancerous tumor that grows on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, causing dizziness, hearing loss, and balance problems.
- Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: A rare condition that causes dizziness and balance problems after a person has been on a boat or ship.
- Superior Canal Dehiscence: A rare condition that causes dizziness, vertigo, and hearing loss due to an abnormal opening in the bone above the inner ear canal.