Vertigo Patients Characteristic in Neurotology Outpatient Clinic, Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia

@#Introduction: Vertigo is estimated to occur in 3% of adults every year. In contrast to dizziness, vertigo is associated with symptoms of peripheral or central balance disorders, while dizziness is associated with cardiovascular, neuropathic, neuromuscular, or psychosomatic diseases. Methods: Data for 123 patients at Hospital were taken retrospectively. The variables studied were demographic data, vestibular examination, audiometry, and vertigo diagnosis. Results: There were 123 vertigo patients consisting of 42 men and 81 women. The average age of the patients was 48.46 years. Most patients were diagnosed with other peripheral vertigo 37.40%, then unspecified disorder of vestibular function 15.45%, BPPV 14.63%, Meniere’s disease 8.94%, dizziness 8.94%, central vertigo 8.13%, and vestibular neuritis 6.50%. The types of hearing loss were Conductive Hearing loss (CHL) 6.10%, Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL) 21.54%, and Mixed Hearing Loss (MHL) 11.38%. Location of hearing loss was unilateral 23.58% and bilateral 26.83%. Mean Pure Tone Average (PTA) of vertigo with hearing loss was 52.54 dB in right ear and 55.96 dB in left ear. Conclusion: Most patients were diagnosed with other peripheral vertigo is female. They had normal hearing. The most common type of hearing loss was SNHL with a mean PTA of 52.54 dB in right ear and 55.96 dB in left ear. Mean PTA in vertigo patients with normal hearing was 18.29 ± 4.24 dB in right ear and 17.55 ± 4.13 dB in left ear, while mean PTA in vertigo with hearing loss was 52.54 ± 29.93 dB in right ear and 55.96 ± 28.01 in left ear.

Individuals with peripheral vestibulopathy and poor quality of sleep are at a higher risk for falls / Indivíduos com vestibulopatia periférica e má qualidade de sono têm risco mais elevado de quedas

Abstract Introduction There is a lack of scientific studies on the assessment of patients with vestibular disorders associated with sleep quality disorders and its impact on the balance and overall quality of life. Objectives to assess the impact of the sleep quality on the balance and quality of life of individuals with peripheral vestibulopathies. Methods 52 individuals with peripheral vestibulopathies underwent sleep quality assessment through the Pittsburgh sleep quality index, neurotological examination through dizziness handicap inventory and Tetrax posturography (Sunlight Medical Ltd.) in eight sensory conditions. Thirty-two healthy individuals (G3) participated as the control group. Results Fourteen individuals with vestibulopathy had good quality of sleep (G1) and 38 showed poor quality of sleep (G2) as demonstrated by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index global scores (p = 0.001). The dizziness handicap inventory showed worse impact of the dizziness on the quality of life in G2 when compared to G1 (p = 0.045). The G2 showed higher risk of falling in posturography when compared to G3 (p = 0.012) and higher index of postural instability in five sensory conditions in comparison with G3. In the vestibulopathy groups, the worse the sleep quality, the higher the risk of falling (r = 0.352) and the worse the quality of life (r = 0.327). Conclusion Individuals with peripheral vestibulopathies and poor quality of sleep demonstrate worse balance evidenced by increased postural instability, higher risk of falls and worse perceived quality of life. The quality of sleep is a predictive factor for worse perceived quality of life and for higher risk of falls in individuals with peripheral vestibulopathies.

Resumo Introdução Há uma falta de estudos científicos sobre a avaliação de pacientes com distúrbios vestibulares relacionados a distúrbios da qualidade do sono e seu impacto sobre o equilíbrio e a qualidade de vida em geral. Objetivos Avaliar o impacto da qualidade do sono sobre o equilíbrio e a qualidade de vida de indivíduos com vestibulopatias periféricas. Método Foram submetidos 52 indivíduos com vestibulopatias periféricas à avaliação da qualidade do sono por meio do índice de qualidade do sono de Pittsburgh, ao exame neurotológico por meio do dizziness handicap inventory e posturografia Tetrax (Sunlight Medical Ltd.) em oito condições sensoriais. O grupo controle incluiu (G3) 32 indivíduos saudáveis. Resultados Dos indivíduos, 14 com vestibulopatia apresentaram boa qualidade de sono (G1) e 38 apresentaram má qualidade de sono (G2), conforme evidenciado pelos escores globais de índice de qualidade do sono de Pittsburgh (p = 0,001). O dizziness handicap inventory apresentou pior impacto da tontura sobre a qualidade de vida no G2 em comparação ao G1 (p = 0,045). O G2 apresentou risco mais elevado de quedas na posturografia em comparação ao G3 (p = 0,012) e índice mais alto de instabilidade postural em cinco condições sensoriais em comparação ao G3. Nos grupos com vestibulopatia, quanto pior a qualidade do sono, mais alto foi o risco de quedas (r = 0,352) e pior a qualidade de vida (r = 0,327). Conclusão Indivíduos com vestibulopatias periféricas e má qualidade de sono demonstram pior equilíbrio, comprovado pelo aumento da instabilidade postural, risco mais elevado de quedas e pior qualidade de vida percebida. A qualidade do sono é um fator preditivo de qualidade de vida percebida e risco mais elevado de quedas em indivíduos com vestibulopatias periféricas.

Health-related quality of life and disability in patients with acute unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders / Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde e incapacidade em pacientes com distúrbios vestibulares periféricos unilaterais agudos

Abstract Introduction: Health-related quality of life is used to denote that portion of the quality of life that is influenced by the person's health. Objectives: To compare the health-related quality of life of individuals with vestibular disorders of peripheral origin by analyzing functional, emotional and physical disabilities before and after vestibular treatment. Methods: A prospective, non randomized case-controlled study was conduced in the ENT Department, between January 2015 and December 2015. All patients were submitted to customize a 36 item of health survey on quality of life, short form 36 health survey questionnaire (SF-36) and the Dizziness Handicap Inventory for assessing the disability. Individuals were diagnosed with acute unilateral vestibular peripheral disorders classified in 5 groups: vestibular neuritis, Ménière Disease, Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, cochlear-vestibular dysfunction (other than Ménière Disease), or other type of acute peripheral vertigo (as vestibular migraine). Results: There was a statistical significant difference for each parameter of Dizziness Handicap Inventory score (the emotional, functional and physical) between the baseline and one month both in men and women, but with any statistical significant difference between 7 days and 14 days. It was found a statistical significant difference for all eight parameters of SF-36 score between the baseline and one month later both in men and women; the exception was the men mental health perception. The correlation between the Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the SF-36 scores according to diagnostics type pointed out that the Spearman's correlation coefficient was moderate correlated with the total scores of these instruments. Conclusion: The Dizziness Handicap Inventory and the SF-36 are useful, proved practical and valid instruments for assessing the impact of dizziness on the quality of life of patients with unilateral peripheral vestibular disorders.

Resumo Introdução: Qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde é usada para designar a parte da qualidade de vida que é influenciada pela saúde do indivíduo. Objetivos: Comparar a qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de indivíduos com distúrbios vestibulares de origem periférica, analisar incapacidades funcionais, emocionais e físicas antes e após o tratamento vestibular. Método: Um estudo de caso-controle prospectivo, não randomizado, foi conduzido no Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia, entre janeiro de 2015 e dezembro de 2015. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a uma pesquisa de saúde personalizada de 36 itens sobre qualidade de vida, ao formulário abreviado de avaliação de saúde 36 (SF-36) e ao Dizziness Handicap Inventory para avaliar a incapacidade. Os indivíduos foram diagnosticados com distúrbios vestibulares periféricos unilaterais agudos, classificados em cinco grupos: neurite vestibular, doença de Ménière, vertigem posicional paroxística benigna, disfunção cócleo-vestibular (exceto Doença de Ménière) ou outro tipo de vertigem periférica aguda (como enxaqueca vestibular). Resultados: Houve uma diferença estatisticamente significante para cada parâmetro de escore no Dizziness Handicap Inventory (emocional, funcional e físico) entre a avaliação basal e depois de um mês, tanto em homens quanto em mulheres, mas sem diferença estatística significativa entre sete dias e 14 dias. Foi encontrada uma diferença estatisticamente significante para todos os oito parâmetros do escore no SF-36 entre a avaliação basal e um mês mais tarde, tanto em homens quanto em mulheres; a exceção foi a percepção de saúde mental nos homens. A correlação entre Dizziness Handicap Inventory e o SF-36 de acordo com o tipo de diagnóstico mostrou que o coeficiente de correlação de Spearman foi moderado quando correlacionado com o escore total desses instrumentos. Conclusão: O Dizziness Handicap Inventory e o SF-36 demonstraram ser instrumentos úteis, práticos e válidos para avaliar o impacto da tontura na qualidade de vida de pacientes com distúrbios vestibulares periféricos unilaterais.

Estrategia comunitaria de prevención primaria y diagnóstico precoz del síndrome Usher en la provincia Holguín / Community Strategy of Primary Prevention and Early Diagnosis of Usher Syndrome in Holguin Province

Introducción: el síndrome Usher es una enfermedad determinada genéticamente, con una gran heterogeneidad clínica y genética, está caracterizada por hipoacusia neurosensorial de moderada a severa, retinosis pigmentaria progresiva y puede acompañarse de alteraciones en la función vestibular. Por su alta prevalencia en Holguín y su significativa discapacidad visual y auditiva, se hace necesario un instrumento preventivo y de diagnóstico. Objetivos: proponer una estrategia comunitaria de prevención primaria en estas familias y de diagnóstico precoz de esta afección genética, caracterizar evolutiva y clínicamente a todos los afectados. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, tipo serie de casos a 53 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de síndrome Usher, que son atendidos en Centro Provincial de Retinosis Pigmentaria de la provincia Holguín, en el periodo del febrero de 2009 a diciembre de 2015. Se revisaron las historias clínicas, recogiendo en un instrumento diseñado para el estudio todos los datos de interés, que permitió caracterizar el universo de estudio y determinar las variables susceptibles de análisis. Resultados: se logró caracterizar clínicamente el 100% de los enfermos estudiados. El 80% presentó la retinosis pigmentaria en la primera infancia. De estos, 33 afectados se encuentran en familias consanguíneas para el 62,26%, el número de familias consanguíneas fue de 17 para el 44,73% y las no consanguíneas 21 para el 55,26%. Conclusiones: se propone esta estrategia comunitaria que ayudará en la atención primaria a realizar prevención primaria en familias de afectados y diagnóstico precoz a los afectados lo cual permitió brindar un adecuado asesoramiento genético a estas familias.

Introduction: Usher syndrome is a genetically determined disease with great clinical and genetic heterogeneity. It is characterized by sensorineural hearing loss from mild to severe, progressive retinitis pigmentosa and may be accompanied by alterations in the vestibular function. Because of its high prevalence in Holguin and significant visual and hearing impairment, a preventive and diagnostic tool is necessary. Objective: propose a Community strategy for primary prevention in these families and early diagnosis of this genetic condition. Characterize all clinically affected and describe the evolutionary characteristics. Method: a series of cases descriptive study was carried out in 53 patients with a clinical diagnosis of Usher Syndrome, who are treated at the Provincial Center for Pigmentary Retinosis of Holguín province from February 2009 to December 2015. Clinical records, collecting in an instrument designed for the study all the data of interest that allowed to characterize the universe of study and to determine the variables susceptible of analysis. Results: clinical characterization of 100% of the patients studied was achieved. 80% had retinitis pigmentosa in early childhood. Of them, 33 affected patients are involved in consanguineous families for 62.26%, there were 17 consanguineous families for 44.73% and outbred 21 for a 55.26%. Conclusions: this community strategy that will help in primary care to undertake primary prevention in families of patients and early diagnosis allowing those affected to provide appropriate genetic counseling to these families is proposed.

Combined ocular and cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential in individuals with vestibular hyporeflexia and in patients with Ménière's disease / Potencial evocado miogênico vestibular ocular e cervical simultâneo em indivíduos com hiporreflexia vestibular e em indivíduos com doença de Ménière

Abstract Introduction: The vestibular evoked myogenic potential is a potential of mean latency that measures the muscle response to auditory stimulation. This potential can be generated from the contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and also from the contraction of extraocular muscles in response to high-intensity sounds. This study presents a combined or simultaneous technique of cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential in individuals with changes in the vestibular system, for use in otoneurologic diagnosis. Objective: To characterize the records and analyze the results of combined cervical and ocular VEMP in individuals with vestibular hyporeflexia and in those with Ménière's disease. Methods: The study included 120 subjects: 30 subjects with vestibular hyporeflexia, 30 with Ménière's disease, and 60 individuals with normal hearing. Data collection was performed by simultaneously recording the cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential. Results: There were differences between the study groups (individuals with vestibular hyporeflexia and individuals with Ménière's disease) and the control group for most of wave parameters in combined cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential. For cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential, it was observed that the prolongation of latency of the P13 and N23 waves was the most frequent finding in the group with vestibular hyporeflexia and in the group with Ménière's disease. For ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential, prolonged latency of N10 and P15 waves was the most frequent finding in the study groups. Conclusion: Combined cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential presented relevant results for individuals with vestibular hyporeflexia and for those with Ménière's disease. There were differences between the study groups and the control group for most of the wave parameters in combined cervical and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential.

Resumo Introdução: O potencial evocado miogênico vestibular é um potencial de média latência que avalia a resposta muscular decorrente de estimulação auditiva. Pode ser gerado a partir da contração do músculo esternocleidomastóideo e também a partir da contração de músculos extraoculares em resposta a sons de elevada intensidade. Este estudo apresenta uma técnica combinada ou simultânea de potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical e ocular em indivíduos com alterações no sistema vestibular para que possa ser usada no diagnóstico otoneurológico. Objetivo: Caracterizar o registro e analisar os resultados do potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical e ocular combinado em indivíduos com hiporreflexia vestibular e em indivíduos com doença de Ménière. Método: Participaram do estudo 120 indivíduos, 30 com hiporreflexia vestibular, 30 com doença de Ménière e 60 com audição dentro dos padrões de normalidade. A coleta de dados foi feita por meio do potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical e ocular registrados simultaneamente. Resultados: Houve diferença entre o grupo de estudo (indivíduos com hiporreflexia vestibular e indivíduos com doença de Ménière) e o grupo controle para a maioria dos parâmetros das ondas no potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical e ocular combinado. Para o potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical observou-se que o prolongamento da latência das ondas P13 e N23 foi a alteração mais encontrada no grupo de indivíduos com hiporreflexia vestibular e no grupo de indivíduos com doença de Ménière. Para o potencial evocado miogênico vestibular ocular o prolongamento da latência das ondas N10 e P15 foi a alteração mais encontrada no grupo de estudo. Conclusão: O potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical e ocular combinado apresentou resultados relevantes para os indivíduos com hiporreflexia vestibular e para os indivíduos com doença de Ménière. Houve diferença entre o grupo de estudo e o grupo controle para a maioria dos parâmetros das ondas no potencial evocado miogênico vestibular cervical e ocular combinado.

Review on Physical Therapy for Patients with Vestibular Disorder

Effort to improve balance ability in the field of rehabilitation has been constantly issued and developed up to now. A variety of subcomponent of postural control including function and cognition should be needed in many body systems and be complicatedly linked to each system. In South Korea, although decreased postural dysfunction due to neurological or musculoskeletal disorders has been well documented, we do not have many experience and knowledge of vestibular rehabilitation for maintain and improve balance function. In the United States, vestibular physical therapy is already acknowledged as clinical subspecialty by American Physical Therapy Association. However, there is no curriculum subject related to vestibular rehabilitation in standard education of physical therapy and no specialist who has clinical experience and knowledge of this realm. Therefore, we reviewed general information and basic knowledge of vestibular rehabilitation such as current state of vestibular disorder in South Korea, pathology, major causes of vestibular dysfunction including peripheral vestibular disorders, vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and central disorder, evaluation of vestibular dysfunction, and treatment for vestibular dysfunction new approaches. We expect that physical therapist in South Korea recognize clinical significance of vestibular exercise and that clinical concern and research will be begun in near future.

Diagnostic Criteria for Meniere's Disease / 대한평형의학회지

This paper presents diagnostic criteria for Meniere's disease jointly formulated by the Classification Committee of the Barany Society, The Japan Society for Equilibrium Research, the European Academy of Otology and Neurotology, the Equilibrium Committee of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and the Korean Balance Society. The classification includes two categories: definite Meniere's disease and probable Meniere's disease. The diagnosis of definite Meniere's disease is based on clinical criteria and requires the observation of an episodic vertigo syndrome associated with low- to medium- frequency sensorineural hearing loss and fluctuating aural symptoms (hearing, tinnitus and/or fullness) in the affected ear. Duration of vertigo episodes is limited to a period between 20 minutes and 12 hours. Probable Meniere's disease is a broader concept defined by episodic vestibular symptoms (vertigo or dizziness) associated with fluctuating aural symptoms occurring in a period from 20 minutes to 24 hours.

Central Vestibular Dysfunction in an Otorhinolaryngological Vestibular Unit: Incidence and Diagnostic Strategy

Introduction: Vertigo can be due to a variety of central and peripheral causes. The relative incidence of central causes is underestimated. This may have an important impact of the patients' management and prognosis. Objective: The objective of this work is to determine the incidence of central vestibular disorders in patients presenting to a vestibular unit in a tertiary referral academic center. It also aims at determining the best strategy to increase the diagnostic yield of the patients' visit. Methods: This is a prospective observational study on 100 consecutive patients with symptoms suggestive of vestibular dysfunction. All patients completed a structured questionnaire and received bedside and vestibular examination and neuroimaging as required. Results: There were 69 women and 31 men. Their ages ranged between 28 and 73 (mean 42.48 years). Provisional videonystagmography (VNG) results were: 40% benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), 23% suspicious of central causes, 18% undiagnosed, 15% Meniere disease, and 4% vestibular neuronitis. Patients with an unclear diagnosis or central features (41) had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Doppler studies. Combining data from history, VNG, and imaging studies, 23 patients (23%) were diagnosed as having a central vestibular lesion (10 with generalized ischemia/vertebra basilar insufficiency, 4 with multiple sclerosis, 4 with migraine vestibulopathy, 4 with phobic postural vertigo, and 1 with hyperventilation-induced nystagmus). Conclusions: Combining a careful history with clinical examination, VNG, MRI, and Doppler studies decreases the number of undiagnosed cases and increases the detection of possible central lesions...

Labirintopatias / Vestibular disorders

A tontura é considerada um dos sintomas mais comuns em Medicina e a principal manifestação clínica das labirintopatias. No presente texto são revisados os aspectos clínicos mais relevantes das labirintopatias consideradas mais prevalentes em nosso meio. Os principais diagnósticos diferenciais são apresentados. As opções terapêuticas também estão descritas e incluem o tratamento etiológico, a correção dos hábitos prejudiciais ao sistema vestibular, os medicamentos, os exercícios de reabilitação vestibular, a psicoterapia e, em casos específicos, os procedimentos cirúrgicos.

Potenciais evocados auditivos em indivíduos com síndrome vestibular periférica / Auditory evoked potentials in peripheral vestibular disorder individuals

INTRODUÇÃO: Os sistemas auditivo e vestibular estão localizados no mesmo receptor periférico, porém adentram ao SNC e percorrem caminhos distintos, estabelecendo uma série de conexões e abrangendo uma vasta região do encéfalo. Mesmo percorrendo caminhos diferentes, algumas alterações podem comprometer ambos os sistemas. Testes como os Potenciais Evocados Auditivos podem auxiliar no diagnóstico com alterações vestibulares. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar os resultados dos Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de indivíduos com queixa de tontura ou vertigem com Síndromes Vestibulares Periféricas e com indivíduos normais, com a mesma queixa. MÉTODO: Foram realizados os Potenciais Evocados Auditivos de curta, média e longa latência, sendo um estudo prospectivo transversal. CONCLUSÃO: Indivíduos com queixa de tontura ou vertigem podem apresentar alterações no PEATE, PEAML e P300.

INTRODUCTION: The auditory and vestibular systems are located in the same peripheral receptor, however they enter the CNS and go through different ways, thus creating a number of connections and reaching a wide area of the encephalon. Despite going through different ways, some changes can impair both systems. Such tests as Auditory Evoked Potentials can help find a diagnosis when vestibular alterations are seen. OBJECTIVE: describe the Auditory Evoked Potential results in individuals complaining about dizziness or vertigo with Peripheral Vestibular Disorders and in normal individuals having the same complaint. METHODS: Short, middle and long latency Auditory Evoked Potentials were performed as a transversal prospective study. CONCLUSION: individuals complaining about dizziness or vertigo can show some changes in BAEP (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential), MLAEP (Medium Latency Auditory Evoked Potential) and P300.

Comparação de diferentes protocolos de reabilitação vestibular em pacientes com disfunções vestibulares periféricas / Comparison of different protocols for vestibular rehabilitation in patients with peripheral vestibular disorders

OBJETIVO: Comparar a eficácia terapêutica de dois protocolos de reabilitação vestibular em diferentes disfunções vestibulares. MÉTODOS: Participaram 20 pacientes com disfunções periféricas crônicas, de ambos os gêneros (prevalência do gênero feminino, com 60 por cento da amostra), com média de idade de 55 anos e 9 meses. O Grupo 1 realizou exercícios baseados na estimulação do reflexo vestíbulocular vertical e horizontal, e o Grupo 2 realizou exercícios baseados em um protocolo de reabilitação vestibular personalizado. A análise de dados levou em consideração a queixa durante a anamnese e a evolução clínica do paciente a partir da execução dos exercícios. Além disso, foram obtidos os resultados do questionário Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) e da escala analógica e visual de tontura (EVA), pré e pós reabilitação vestibular. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença nos valores da EVA e do DHI (escala física, funcional e no valor total), pré e pós-reabilitação vestibular, em ambos os grupos. Porém, na comparação dos dois grupos no momento pós-reabilitação, o Grupo 2 obteve melhores resultados que o Grupo 1, tanto na EVA quanto no DHI (escala funcional e no valor total). CONCLUSÃO: A reabilitação vestibular possibilitou melhora significativa do quadro otoneurológico clínico e na auto-percepção da tontura independentemente da terapêutica empregada. A reabilitação vestibular personalizada mostrou-se mais eficaz do que o protocolo de estimulação do reflexo vestibulocular na melhora da qualidade de vida de indivíduos com disfunções periféricas crônicas.

PURPOSE: To compare the therapeutic efficacy of two protocols for vestibular rehabilitation in several vestibular disordes. METHODS: Twenty patients with chronic peripheral disorders of both genders (prevalence of females, with 60 percent of the sample) and mean age of 55 years and 9 months participated in this study. Group 1 carried out exercices based on stimulation of vertical and horizontal vestibulocular reflex, and Group 2 carried out exercices based on a protocol of personalized vestibular rehabilitation. Data analysis considered the complaint manifested during anamnesis and the clinical evolution of the patient during the execution of the exercises. The results obtained from the application of the Dizziness Handicap Inventory questionnaire (DHI) and the dizziness visual analog scale (VAS), both before and after vestibular rehabilitation, were also considered in the analysis. RESULTS: Differences were found in the values obtained in VAS and DHI (physical and functional scales and total score), in both groups. However, the comparison of the groups after rehabilitation showed that Group 2 obtained better scores than Group 1, both in VAS and DHI (functional scale and total value). CONCLUSION: Vestibular rehabilitation allowed significant improvement in otoneurological clinical profile and in self-perception of dizziness, regardless the therapeutic method used. Personalized vestibular rehabilitation was more efficient than the vestibulocular reflex stimulation protocol in improving quality of life of individuals with chronic periferal disorders.

Diagnostic Approaches to the Patient with Dizziness

Dizziness is one of the most commonly presenting complaints in clinical practice. However, a systematic diagnostic approach to the dizzy patient remains challenging due to the wide range of diagnostic possibilities. As a symptom, dizziness is quite subjective and is resulted from diverse conditions. Therefore, classifying the patient's complaints into the etiology oriented categories through detailed histories should be the first step of the approach. Physicians should be acquainted with skills for the history taking and a brief but comprehensive neuro-otologic examination which can be done easily in clinical practice. This article focused on practical skills for history taking and bedside examination in the diagnostic approaches to the patient with dizziness.