vertigo

Question 1

what is vertigo?

Answer 1

the false sensation that the body or environment is moving

Question 2

name some causes of vertigo?

Answer 2

1. viral labyrinthitis
2. vestibular neuronitis
3. BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)
4. meniere’s disease
5. vertebrobasilar ischaemia
6. acoustic neuroma

Question 3

• recent viral infection
• sudden onset
• n+v
• hearing may be affected

Dx?

Answer 3

viral labyrinthitis

Question 4

• recent viral infection
• recurrent vertigo attacks lasting hours/days
• no hearing loss

Dx?

Answer 4

vestibular neuronitis

Question 5

• gradual onset
• triggered by change in head position
• each episode lasts 10-20 secs

Dx?

Answer 5

BPPV

Question 6

associated with HL, tinnitus and sensation of fullness/pressure in one or both ears

Dx?

Answer 6

Meniere’s disease

Question 7

• elderly pt
• dizziness on neck extension

Dx?

Answer 7

vertebrobasilar ischaemia

Question 8

• HL, vertigo, tinnitus
• absent corneal reflex
• associated with neurofibromatosis type 2

Dx?

Answer 8

acoustic neuroma

Question 9

what are other causes of vertigo?

Answer 9

1. posterior circulation stroke
2. trauma
3. MS
4. ototoxicity e.g. gentamicin