ENT: Vertigo

Question 1

what is vertigo?

Answer 1

An inflammatory condition caused by bacteria or viruses that affects the inner ear, which consists of the cochlea and vestibular system.

Question 2

how does vertigo present?

Answer 2

• sensorineural hearing loss
• problems with balance, dizziness
• nausea and committing
• otorrhoea
• nystagmus
• tinnitus
• vertigo-related quick head or body movements

Question 3

what is otorrhoea?

Answer 3

Ear discharge

Question 4

what are some Exacerbating factors of vertigo?

Answer 4

positional, straining, head movement

Question 5

what is Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?

Answer 5

brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is usually triggered by specific changes in the position of your head. This might occur when you tip your head up or down, when you lie down, or when you turn over or sit up in bed

• rarely serious unless it increases chances of falls

Question 6

what investigation can be performed for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?

Answer 6

dix-hallpike test

Question 7

how do you treat Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?

Answer 7

Epley Manouvre

Question 8

what is Vestibular neuronitis?

Answer 8

sudden severe attack of vertigo (a false sensation of moving or spinning) caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, the branch of the 8th cranial nerve that helps control balance.

Question 9

what is Labyrinthitis?

Answer 9

Inflammatory condition affecting the labyrinth in the cochlea and vestibular system of the inner ear.

Viral infections are the most common cause of labyrinthitis. Bacterial labyrinthitis is a complication of otitis media or meningitis.

Typical presentation includes vertigo, imbalance, and hearing loss.

Question 10

what is Meniere’s disease?

Answer 10

auditory disease characterised by an episodic sudden onset of vertigo, low-frequency hearing loss (in the early stages of the disorder), low-frequency roaring tinnitus, and sensation of fullness in the affected ear.

• Episodic attacks last hours

Question 11

what type of vertigo lasts seconds to minutes with no associated hearing loss?

Answer 11

BPPV

Question 12

what type of vertigo lasts minutes to hours with no associated hearing loss?

Answer 12

migraine associated vertigo

Question 13

what type of vertigo lasts minutes to hours with associated hearing loss?

Answer 13

Meniere’s Disease

Question 14

what type of vertigo lasts hours to days with no associated hearing loss?

Answer 14

Labyrinthitis

SSHL with vertigo

Question 15

what type of vertigo lasts hours to days with associated hearing loss?

Answer 15

Vestibular Neuronitis

Question 16

how do you treat a viral episode of vertigo?

Answer 16

• vestibular suppressants e.g. diazepam or lorazepam
• anti-emetics
• corticosteroids (For patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss)

Question 17

how do you treat a bacterial episode of vertigo?

Answer 17

• antibiotics
• vestibular suppressants e.g. diazepam or lorazepam
• anti-emetics