Disorders of the Vestibular Function

Disorders of Vestibular Function: Medical History

The medical history (history of the patient) represents an important component in the diagnosis of disorders of vestibular function. Family history Social history Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). When does the dizziness occur? Motion-dependent staggering vertigo Lying down … Disorders of Vestibular Function: Medical History

Disorders of Vestibular Function: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Eyes and ocular appendages (H00-H59). Visual disturbances (esp. decreased vision) * . Blood, blood-forming organs – immune system (D50-D90). Anemia (anemia) Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Desiccosis * (dehydration). Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) Hypokalemia * (potassium deficiency) Hyponatremia * (sodium deficiency) Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) * Cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension (high blood pressure), hypotension … Disorders of Vestibular Function: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Disorders of Vestibular Function: Consequential Diseases

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by disorders of vestibular function: Psyche – Nervous System (F00-F99; G00-G99). Social isolation – when not leaving the house due to dizziness. Symptoms and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not elsewhere classified (R00-R99) Gait unsteadiness/gait disturbance Injuries, poisonings, and certain other … Disorders of Vestibular Function: Consequential Diseases

Disorders of Vestibular Function: Test and Diagnosis

2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count [anemia/anemia?; MCV ↑ → indication of alcohol abuse/abuse, if any]. Ferritin serum level (iron stores) – if iron deficiency anemia is suspected. Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or … Disorders of Vestibular Function: Test and Diagnosis

Disorders of Vestibular Function: Drug Therapy

Therapeutic target Improvement of symptoms Therapy recommendations Note: There is no confirmed causal therapy. The following is drug therapy depending on the indication: Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPLS): dimenhydrinate (antivertiginosa). Bilateral vestibulopathy (BV): prednisolone (glucocorticoids); for about 4 weeks; descending doses; possibly for recovery of vestibular function. Meniere’s disease: therapy is carried out in four … Disorders of Vestibular Function: Drug Therapy

Disorders of Vestibular Function: Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Magnetic resonance imaging of the skull (cranial MRI, cranial MRI, or cMRI) – for suspected: Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma; benign growth of the auditory and vestibular nerves). Endolymphhydrops in … Disorders of Vestibular Function: Diagnostic Tests

Disorders of Vestibular Function: Prevention

To prevent vestibular function disorders, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Ménière’s disease Behavioral risk factors Stimulant use Alcohol abuse (alcohol dependence) Nicotine abuse (nicotine dependence) Mental stress situation Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPLS) Behavioral risk factors Turning the head can trigger a seizure; especially in the morning Medications (pharmacogenic causes of … Disorders of Vestibular Function: Prevention

Disorders of Vestibular Function: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The symptom dizziness is often accompanied by various other symptoms: Nausea Nystagmus – involuntary but rapid rhythmic eye movements. Positional instability Gait ataxia (gait disorders) Type of vertigo Systematic vertigo (directional vertigo). Continuous vertigo Spinning dizziness Altitude vertigo Positional vertigo Positional vertigo Elevator vertigo Sway vertigo Unsystematic vertigo (undirected vertigo, diffuse vertigo). Meniere’s disease The … Disorders of Vestibular Function: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Disorders of Vestibular Function: Causes

Pathogenesis (development of disease) The vestibular organ is a part of the inner ear. Its function is to control balance (vestibular organ). If there are problems with vestibular organ, dizziness may occur. The vestibular organ consists of three semicircular canals and the two structures called macular organs (saccule and utriculus). The arcades, filled with endolymph, … Disorders of Vestibular Function: Causes

Disorders of Vestibular Function: Therapy

Therapy for vertigo depends on the cause. Referral to the emergency department is required: When the vertigo may be an expression of a threatening condition requiring acute treatment. If the dizziness could result in or has already caused a threatening secondary complication (e.g., fall). Inpatient therapy is required if: There is an acute disease requiring … Disorders of Vestibular Function: Therapy