Approach to the evaluation of the dizzy patient.
Dizziness is a nonspecific symptom caused by many different pathophysiologic mechanisms. Vertigo, an illusion of movement, indicates a lesion within the vestibular system. The duration of attacks and associated symptoms helps to determine the site of lesion and likely diagnosis. Examination of the dizzy patient should include a careful assessment of gait and balance and a search for spontaneous and positional nystagmus. The vestibulo-ocular reflex can be evaluated qualitatively at the bedside with the doll's eye, dynamic visual acuity, and ice water caloric tests. Each test provides different information about vestibular function.
Baloh
R W
RW
UCLA Department of Neurology, Reed Neurological Research Center 90024-1769.
D004244:Dizziness / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D009759:Nystagmus, Pathologic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D004856:Postural Balance; D014717:Vertigo / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D014724:Vestibular Function Tests; D014722:Vestibule, Labyrinth