Inner Ear Flashcards
What is vertigo?
Sensation that objects around you are spinning around. It can be associated with nausea and difficulties walking.
What is benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV)?
Vertigo caused by otolith material displacing form utricle into semicircular canals causing vertigo
What is the commonest cause of vertigo?
Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV)
How does benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) present?
Brief episodes of vertigo
Triggered by certain positions
(e.g. turning in bed, lying down, getting up, bending forward)
Without tinnitus/hearing loss or aural fullness
How can benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) be diagnosed?
Positive Dix-Hallpike test
Nsytagmus after lying down, turning head to side and quickly lying head over couch
If the first attempt at the Dix-Hallpike test fails, can you do it again?
No, the test fatigues
How can benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) be treated?
Epley manoeuvre (series of head movements which moves otolith material back into utricle)
How can benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) be self managed by patients?
Brandt-Daroff exercises (series of movements which moves otolith material back into utricle)
What is Meniere’s disease?
Disease of unknown pathophysiology characterised by episodes of spontaneous vertigo
How does Meniere’s disease present?
Episodes of vertigo lasting hours
With tinnitus/hearing loss W
With aural fullness
What is required for a diagnosis of Meniere’s disease?
2 vertigo episodes with at least 1 documented sensorineural hearing loss
What can be done to prevent Meniere’s disease?
Betahistine
Salt restriction
What is labyrinthitis?
Inflammation of the inner ear which can be caused by viral infection
How does labyrinthitis present?
Prolonged (days) vertigo
With tinnitus/hearing loss
Without aural fullness
May be preceded by viral infection
How is labyrinthitis treated?
Supportive
Self limiting condition
