Dizziness Flashcards
What does dizziness mean?
A non-specific term that covers vertigo, syncope, disequilibrium etc.
What does vertigo mean?
A sensation of movement, typically ‘room is spinning’ sensation but also falling or being pushed
In a vertigo history what question is most important to ask?
How long the episodes last for
What condition is suggested by vertigo episodes lasting a few seconds?
Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo
What condition is suggested by vertigo episodes lasting a few hours?
Meniere’s
What condition is suggested by vertigo episodes lasting a few days?
Vestibular neuritis
What condition is suggested by vertigo episodes that last for variable amounts of time?
Migraine-associated vertigo
Give some associated symptoms of vertigo?
Hearing loss / tinnitus
Migraines / sensory sensitivity
Sound or pressure induced symptoms
What condition is likely if a patient gets dizzy rolling over in bed?
Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo
What condition is likely if a patient had a severe first attack lasting for hours with nausea & vomiting?
Vestibular neuritis
What condition is likely if a patient becomes light sensitive during their episodes?
Vestibular migraine
What condition is likely if the patient experiences a full ear or hearing loss during their episodes?
Meniere’s disease
What is the Dix Hallpike test?
A manoeuvre designed to diagnose BPPV
How is BPPV managed?
Repositioning manoeuvres such as:
Epley manoeuvre
Semont manoeuvre
Brandt-Daroff exercises
What manoeuvre can successfully treat 70-75% of BPPV patients?
Epley manoeuvre
What type of hearing loss is typical in Meniere’s disease?
Low frequency sensorineural hearing loss
What can help to prevent Meniere’s disease episodes?
Restriction of salt, caffeine and alcohol
Stress reduction
What are the two effective management options for Meniere’s disease?
ITS
ITG
What is the most common auditory symptom of migraine-associated vertigo?
Phonophobia - fear of loud sounds
What is a vestibular schwannoma?
A rare benign tumour of the VIII nerve sheath
What way does nystagmus flick rapidly?
Away from the affected side
What is nystagmus?
Involuntary rapid movement of the eye(s)
What two types of nystagmus suggest a brain stem issue?
Bidirectional nystagmus
Vertical nystagmus (downwards)
What condition is suggested by torsional vertical nystagmus?
Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo
