P-AVS

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Peripheral acute vestibular syndrome

Inflammation of the vestibular nerve (CNVIII)

Most often only one side affected - left or right

Question 2

Aetiology and pathophysiology

Answer 2

Inflammation of the vestibular division of CNVIII

Usually caused by a virus

Asymmetric tonic firing of the vestibular nerve -> brain interprets info and think the head is moving (i.e. L side firing rate lower = interpreted as head moving to the left)

Question 3

How is it diagnosed (objective and subjective results)

Answer 3

Objective Ax:

• Eye Ax (nystagmus): positive
• Head impulse test (VOR) - positive
• Dix Hallpike: Negative/Clear

Subjective Ax:

• Describe dizziness without using the word dizzy -> movement of the environment around them
• dizziness lasts over 1 minute

Question 4

Problems

Answer 4

Vertigo

• lasts longer than 1 minute
• onset vertigo; experience nystagmus at same time

Nystagmus
- P-AVS tends to have horizontal nystagmus

Postural instability
Nausea
Vomitting

Question 5

How long does dizziness last?

Answer 5

over 1 minute

Question 6

Vertical or horizontal nystagmus

Answer 6

horizontal