Dizziness and Vertigo

Question 1

Whats the difference between dizziness and Vertigo?

Answer 1

Dizziness can me MANY things (light headed, vertigo, etc) -need a very clear history (and let them use their own words)

Vertigo and light headed are more proper terms
Vertigo-world moves all around you-room spinning

Light headed-presyncope-washy,

Question 2

What are non brain causes of vertigo?

Answer 2

Peripheral- vestibular nerve or labyrinth

labyrinth-BPPV, Menieres, Labyrnthitis, Otitis media,

Vestibular nerve
acoustic Neuroma, Vestibular neuritis, Herpes zoster oticus, drugs

Question 3

What are brain causes of vertigo?

Answer 3

MS, Migraine, stroke

usually brainstem or cerebelly (expect other CNS deficits)
In generally a lot more worrying than peripheral

Question 4

What are good initial investigation of vertigo?

Answer 4

Dix Hallpike test-good to find BPPV

Call neurologist if unsure how to do

Question 5

How do you determine between Peripheral and central causes of vertigo?

Answer 5

Central is a lot more worrying

Expect Other CNS signs. Often Nystagmus