Dizzy patient Flashcards
What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Dizziness is an umbrella term covering things like vertigo, pre syncope, disequilibrium etc. Vertigo is a specific thing
Define vertigo
Sensation of movement, usually spinning movement.
Dizziness is the most common cause of GP presentation over 74years of age - true/false
true
there are 7 possible categories of causes of dizziness - what are they?
Cardiovascular causes Haematological Causes Anxiety (hyperventilation) Neurological conditions Migraines Otological causes traumatic causes
What is labyrinth?
This is the complex structure of the inner ear
The labyrinth has a boney and membranous part with two separate fluid containing spaces - true/false
True
There are ____ vestibular end organs which are the _____
5
Ampullae of the lateral, posterior and superior semicircular canals and the maculae of the utricle and saccule
balance is about more than just the ear - explain why your eyesight impacts your balance.
The eyes and ears are telling you different things about where you are in space if your eyesight is poor; thus this throws your balance off.
How do proprioceptors play into balance?
the proprioceptors in joints tell you where you are in space. if these aren’t working then your brain gets confused as to where you are, as your eyes/ears and proprioceptors are telling you different things.
How does poor perfusion to the brain affect balance?
you will deck it if your brain has no oxygen and this is why the heart plays into balance.
Vasovagal syncope, arrhythmia and postural hypotension all cause balance issues - true/false
true
What is the vestibulo-ocular reflex?
This is when you focus your eye on one thing and turn your eye but your eyes move to remain fixed on that object.
How does the vestibule-ocular reflex work?
The lateral semi-circular canal is constantly sending impulses. when the head moves, these impulses decrease and your eyes move in order to remain fixed on your object of sight.
Why is the vestibule-ocular reflex important?
This is important for using nystagmus to distinguish between a vestibular and non-vestibular pathology
Define nystagmus?
Dancing eyes - rapid, involuntary movement of the eyes
Nystagmus will be present in non-vestibular pathology - true/false
False - it will only be present in a vestibular pathology