Dizziness and vertigo

Question 1

What is vertigo

Answer 1

false sensation that the body or environment is moving in the absence of movement

Question 2

Describe the characteristics of viral labyrinthitis

Answer 2

• preceding viral infection
• Sudden onset vertigo
• tinnitus
• Nausea and vomiting
• sensorineural hearing loss
• horizontal nystagmus towards the unaffected side

Question 3

Describe the characteristics of Vestibular neuronitis

Answer 3

• Recent viral infection
• Recurrent vertigo attacks lasting hours or days
• No hearing loss or tinnitus
• may have N+V
• horizontal nystagmus is usually present

Question 4

Describe the characteristics of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

Answer 4

• Gradual onset vertigo
• Triggered by change in head position
• Each episode lasts 10-20 seconds

Question 5

Describe the characteristics of Meniere’s disease

Answer 5

• Unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus
• recurrent episodes of vertigo
• sensation of fullness or pressure in one or both ears

Question 6

Describe the characteristics of Vertebrobasilar ischaemia

Answer 6

• Elderly patient
• Dizziness on extension of neck

Question 7

Describe the characteristics of an Acoustic neuroma

Answer 7

• CN VIII: unilateral sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo, unilateral tinnitus
• CN V: Absent corneal reflex
• CN VII: facial palsy

Question 8

What conditions are bilateral acoustic neuromas associated with

Answer 8

neurofibromatosis type 2

Question 9

What test can be used to distinguish between peripheral and central causes of vertigo

Answer 9

• HiNTs test - head impulse, nystagmus, test of skew

Question 10

What findings would favour a central cause of vertigo over a peripheral cause

Answer 10

• positive HiNTs test
• vertical nystagmus