diagnostic clues
Last reviewed 01/2018
- vertigo can have multiple simultaneous causes (especially in old age)
- the diagnosis can be vague
- there are features in the history and the examination which help with the diagnosis of vertigo
- clues
to diagnosis of causative lesion include (1):
- duration of vertiginous episodes
- presence or absence of auditory symptoms
- the
physical examination should include (1):
- measurements of orthostatic vital signs ( blood pressure and pulse)
- otoscopy
- neurological examination
- cranial nerves
- Dix-Hallpike manoeuver
- helps differentiate peripheral from central vertigo
- Unterberger's stepping test
-
laboratory tests (1):
- usually not indicated
- if hearing loss is
presesnt
- audiometric tests may be necessary to diferentiate vestibular lesions from retrocochlear lesions (e.g., acoustic neuroma)
- brain
imaging
- done if a tumor or cerebrovascular is suspected
Reference: