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.
Department of Otolaryngology, New York University School of Medicine, New York.
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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