2.2: Dizziness Flashcards
What is dizziness?
Vague term: Covers - Vertigo - Pre-syncope - Blackouts - Lightheadedness
What is vertigo?
This is the sensation of movement - usually spinning. Feels like the person or the room is spinning
Describe the effect of lesions in the brain on the eyes and balance?
The vestibular pathways involve the eyes, the inner ear and the brain. Lesions along these pathways can affect the ear movements and balance.
What affects balance system:
- Semi-circular canals?
BPPV
Meniere’s
Vascular Neuronitis
What affects balance
- Eyes?
Diabetes
Cataracts
What affects balance
- Joints?
Arthritis
Diabetes
Neurology
What affects balance
- Heart?
Arrythmia
Postural Hypotension
What affects balance
- Brain?
Stress
Migraine
Space Occuping Lesions
MS
Describe the vestibule-ocular reflex?
This is important for keeping your eyes fixed on something
If you turn your head, a compensatory response occurs to ensure your keep focused on the object
Describe the rate of firing in the vestibulo-ocular reflex?
The side you turn away from is inhibited
The side you turn to is stimulated
Clinical relevance of the vestibulo-ocular reflex?
Fast and slow =?
If there is a vestibular pathology, you will see a NYSTAGMUS
The direction of the nystagmus depends on the involved structures
If there is a fast and slow phase it is most likely to be peripheral
If there is no fast and slow phase it is most likely to be central
How common is dizziness?
Most common presentation to GP of those over 74
Give some causes of dizziness?
Cardiology - arrythmia Haematological - anemia Anxiety Neurological conditions Drug side effects Migraine Otological (Ear) Trauma
What should you ask in the history?
Triggers? Time Course? Associated symptoms? Precipitating factors Alleviating symptoms Medications?
What does a nystagmus at rest suggest?
Space Occupying Lesion