Ears, Nose and Throat Flashcards
Define BBPV.
Vertigo lasting seconds to minutes on changing head position (e.g. sitting to lying down or turning the head suddenly).
What are the presenting symptoms of BPPV?
Dizziness
Vertigo
Loss of balance or unsteadiness
Nausea/vomiting
- all lasting for a few seconds often following movement
What are the signs of BPPV on examination?
o No signs
What are the appropriate examinations for BPPV?
o Hallpike test
Define Meniere’s disease.
Recurrent episodes of tinnitus, paroxysmal vertigo and unilateral fluctuating hearing loss.
What are the presenting symptoms of Meniere’s disease?
Vertigo
Loss of hearing in affected ear
Tinnitus
Loss of balance
Headaches
Nausea/vomiting
- last for a few minutes at a time
What are the signs of Meniere’s disease on examination?
o No signs
What are the appropriate investigations for Meniere’s disease?
o No specific test that will confirm the diagnosis
o Other investigations (e.g. MRI, electrocochleography) may be used to exclude other causes of such symptoms
Define thyroglossal cyst.
An epithelium-lined cyst found along the course of descent of the thyroid gland.
What are the risk facors for thyroglossal cysts?
o Rare familial variants
What are the presenting symptoms of thyroglossal cysts?
o Swelling/lump is noticed in the midline of the anterior neck
o Usually asymptomatic
o May be tenderness or rapid enlargement due to infection
o Patient being around the age of 5
WHat are the signs of thyroglossal cysts on examination?
o Midline, smooth, rounded swelling - typically found between the thyroid notch and the hyoid bone
o Moves upwards on protrusion of the tongue and with swallowing
o Can be transilluminated
What are the appropriate investigations for thyroglossal cysts?
o None may be necessary if the patient is euthyroid
o If the cyst is suprahyoid, TFTs should be performed to exclude a lingual thyroid - because removal of the lingual thyroid will make the patient hypothyroid
o Ultrasound/MRI - helps differentiate from other structures
Define tonsillitis.
Inflammation due to infection of the tonsils.
What are the risk factors for tonsillitis?
Immune deficiency
Family history of tonsillitis or atopy
