Differential Diagnosis for Dizziness
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is a common cause of dizziness, especially in older adults. It is characterized by brief, intense episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Vestibular Migraine: A condition that causes dizziness, vertigo, and other symptoms similar to migraines, but without the headache. It's a common cause of dizziness in patients with a history of migraines.
- Labyrinthitis: An inner ear disorder that causes dizziness, vertigo, and hearing loss. It's often caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
- Medication Side Effects: Many medications, such as sedatives, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can cause dizziness as a side effect.
- Anxiety or Panic Disorder: Anxiety and panic disorders can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, and other symptoms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Although less common, stroke or TIA can cause sudden onset of dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance. It's crucial to rule out these conditions due to their high morbidity and mortality.
- Meniere's Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent hearing loss.
- Cardiac Arrhythmias: Abnormal heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation, can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or syncope.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, which can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Rare Diagnoses
- Acoustic Neuroma: A rare, benign tumor that grows on the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain, causing dizziness, vertigo, and hearing loss.
- Multiple Sclerosis: A chronic autoimmune disease that can cause dizziness, vertigo, and other neurological symptoms.
- Mal de Debarquement Syndrome: A rare condition that causes dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance after a period of exposure to motion, such as a boat ride.
- Vestibular Schwannoma: A rare, benign tumor that grows on the vestibular nerve, causing dizziness, vertigo, and hearing loss.