The dizzy patient. Update on vestibular disorders.
Dizziness is often a patient's shorthand description of a variety of symptoms, many of which have nothing to do with balance. Vertigo consists of an abnormal sensation of motion, whereas dysequilibrium is a disturbance of balance without necessarily a sensation of motion. A careful history usually determines the nature of the patient's presenting symptoms, and a thorough workup will often give rise to a diagnosis. Vertigo of vestibular origin may be treated with a variety of medications or, when these fail, surgery. Surgery should preserve hearing when at all possible. Balance rehabilitation is a useful modality for the patient who does not compensate spontaneously or who does not respond to the medical or surgical treatment of imbalance.
Cohen
N L
NL
Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York.
D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004244:Dizziness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D015837:Vestibular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests