Vertigo Flashcards
What is the definition of vertigo?
A sensation of spinning or dizziness, often described as a feeling that either the person or their surroundings are moving.
True or False: Vertigo is a diagnosis.
False: Vertigo is a symptom, not a diagnosis.
Name two common peripheral causes of vertigo.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and Meniere’s disease.
What is the primary mechanism involved in BPPV?
Displacement of otoliths in the semicircular canals.
Fill in the blank: Meniere’s disease is characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and __________.
aural fullness.
Which cranial nerve is primarily involved in the vestibular system?
Cranial nerve VIII (the vestibulocochlear nerve).
What is the most common age group affected by vestibular migraine?
Adults aged 30 to 50 years.
True or False: Central vertigo is always less severe than peripheral vertigo.
False: Central vertigo can be more severe and may indicate serious conditions.
What is the role of the Epley maneuver?
To reposition displaced otoliths in BPPV.
Name a common medication used to treat acute vertigo.
Meclizine.
What condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo lasting minutes to hours, often with unilateral hearing loss?
Meniere’s disease.
Which diagnostic test is commonly used to evaluate vestibular function?
Videonystagmography (VNG).
True or False: Acoustic neuroma can cause vertigo.
True.
What is the primary symptom of vestibular neuritis?
Sudden onset of severe vertigo, often with nausea. Loss of balance! Present vertigo and falls. Upper respiratory infection or herpes zoster.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a rare but serious cause of vertigo that involves a brainstem stroke.
Wallenberg syndrome.
What is the main difference between vertigo and dizziness?
Vertigo specifically refers to a spinning sensation, while dizziness can refer to a general feeling of unsteadiness.
Name one lifestyle modification that can help manage Meniere’s disease.
Reducing salt intake.
What is the purpose of using a tilt table test?
To assess the cause of syncope and evaluate autonomic function.
True or False: All patients with vertigo require imaging studies.
False: Imaging is not always necessary; it depends on clinical findings.
What is the typical duration of episodes in BPPV?
Seconds to minutes.
What are the common triggers for vestibular migraine?
Stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods.
Fill in the blank: __________ is a hereditary condition that can cause episodic vertigo and hearing loss.
Familial vestibular syndrome.
What is the significance of the head impulse test?
To assess the function of the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
Name a common vestibular rehabilitation technique.
Habituation exercises.
True or False: Vertigo can only be caused by inner ear disorders.
False: It can also be caused by central nervous system disorders.
Vestibular Neuronitis - Describe
Caloric test (vestibuocular reflex test) mnemonic
Cows
Cold water: fast Face Of nistagmos To The Opposite Side From The cold water filled ear.
Warm Water: Fast Face Of nistagmus To The Same Side As The World Water filled ear.
Positive if intact brain stem
Name syndromes that can cause ACUTE onset vertigo tinnitus and hearing loss
Labyrinthitis (also nausea and vomiting, upper respiratory tract infection)
Meinere’s disease (pt also complain from ear fullness - excess endolymph in labyrinth)
Lateral medullary syndrome (Wallenberg Syndrome or PICA syndrome
Vértigo Horner SND Nys on the right side after popping sound (sudden onset of tinnitus) indicates?
Central cause
Vértigo Horner SND Nys on the right side after popping sound (sudden onset of tinnitus) + contralateral (left sided sensory impairment indicates?
Vertebrobasilar arterial system insufficiency.
Ausente of visual problems —- PICA
(No cortical - aphasia and cognitive -)
Presenting symptoms of acoustic neuroma.
Progressive!!!! Unilateral neurosensory hearing loss
Headache
Facial numbness
80% of cerebellopontine angle
What is Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that affects balance and hearing.
Which symptoms are commonly associated with Meniere’s disease? (Choose all that apply)
Vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
True or False: Meniere’s disease can only affect one ear.
False
Fill in the blank: Meniere’s disease is characterized by episodes of __________.
vertigo
What is the typical age range for the onset of Meniere’s disease?
It typically occurs between the ages of 20 and 50.
Which fluid accumulation is believed to be a key factor in Meniere’s disease?
Endolymph
What is the main goal of treating Meniere’s disease?
To manage symptoms and reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.
True or False: There is a definitive cure for Meniere’s disease.
False
Name one common treatment option for Meniere’s disease.
Diuretics, dietary changes, or vestibular rehabilitation.
What diagnostic test is often used to assess hearing in patients suspected of having Meniere’s disease?
Audiometry
What is the definition of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)?
BPPV is a disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position.
True or False: BPPV is a life-threatening condition.
False: BPPV is not life-threatening but can significantly impact quality of life.
What are the common symptoms of BPPV?
Common symptoms include brief episodes of vertigo, dizziness, and a sense of spinning, especially when changing head positions.
Fill in the blank: BPPV is caused by dislodged __________ in the inner ear.
otoliths
Which diagnostic maneuver is commonly used to confirm BPPV?
The Dix-Hallpike maneuver.
What is the primary treatment method for BPPV?
The Epley maneuver is the primary treatment method.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for BPPV? A) Age B) Head trauma C) High blood pressure
C) High blood pressure
True or False: BPPV can affect both ears.
True: BPPV can occur in one or both ears.
What is the recurrence rate of BPPV after initial treatment?
The recurrence rate of BPPV can be as high as 50% within five years.
What is the role of vestibular rehabilitation in managing BPPV?
Vestibular rehabilitation may help improve balance and reduce dizziness, but it is not the primary treatment for BPPV.
What is labyrinthitis?
Labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder characterized by inflammation of the labyrinth, which can affect balance and hearing.
True or False: Labyrinthitis can be caused by viral infections.
True
What are two common symptoms of labyrinthitis?
Dizziness and hearing loss.
Fill in the blank: Labyrinthitis often follows __________ infections.
upper respiratory
Which part of the ear is primarily affected by labyrinthitis?
The inner ear.
What is a potential complication of untreated labyrinthitis?
Permanent hearing loss.
True or False: Labyrinthitis can only be caused by bacterial infections.
False
What diagnostic test is commonly used to assess labyrinthitis?
Audiometry.
Which type of healthcare professional typically diagnoses labyrinthitis?
Otolaryngologist (ENT specialist).
Multiple choice: Which of the following is NOT a symptom of labyrinthitis? A) Tinnitus B) Nausea C) Fever D) Skin rash
D) Skin rash
What treatment options are available for labyrinthitis?
Medications for symptoms, vestibular rehabilitation, and in some cases, antibiotics.
True or False: Labyrinthitis is always a chronic condition.
False
What is the primary function of the labyrinth in the ear?
To help maintain balance and spatial orientation.
Fill in the blank: Labyrinthitis may lead to _________ if not treated properly.
complications
What is the typical duration of symptoms in acute labyrinthitis?
Symptoms usually last several days to weeks.
True or False: Vertigo is a common symptom of labyrinthitis.
True
What role do corticosteroids play in the treatment of labyrinthitis?
They may reduce inflammation.
Multiple choice: Which of the following can be a cause of labyrinthitis? A) Allergies B) Viral infections C) High blood pressure D) None of the above
B) Viral infections
What is the difference between labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis?
Labyrinthitis involves both hearing and balance issues, while vestibular neuritis primarily affects balance.
True or False: Labyrinthitis can occur after a head injury.
True
What symptom might indicate a more serious condition associated with labyrinthitis?
Severe headache.
Fill in the blank: The inflammation in labyrinthitis can lead to __________ of the inner ear structures.
swelling
What is the recommended first step in managing labyrinthitis symptoms?
Rest and hydration.
True or False: Labyrinthitis can affect both children and adults.
True
What is the primary cause of labyrinthitis in adults?
Most commonly viral infections, such as those causing colds or flu.
Multiple choice: Which of the following is a symptom of labyrinthitis? A) Hearing loss B) Skin irritation C) Joint pain D) Fatigue
A) Hearing loss
Hearing loss tinnitus and vertigo. What indication to evaluate the condition?
Evaluation of hearing loss in adults
Pure tone Audiometry
