Summary
Dizziness is a non-specific term and may be used by patients to indicate true vertigo, lightheadedness, imbalance, or a form of syncope. The prevalence of dizziness in the general population ranges from 20% to 30%. [1] True vertigo is described as a rotary sensation of the patient or surroundings, and is often of vestibular origin.
Aetiology
The aetiology varies from vestibular to neurological to cardiovascular pathology. The most common causes of vertigo are migraine-related vertigo, benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV), and Meniere's disease. Cerebellar infarct or vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) may also cause dizziness.
History and clinical findings
It is important to take a detailed history of the patient's symptoms. True vertigo often indicates vestibular pathology (e.g., BPPV, labyrinthitis, or Meniere's disease). Central pathology, such as a cerebellar ischaemic stroke, needs to be ruled out. A description of the typical attacks, including their nature, duration, and associated auditory symptoms (e.g., hearing loss, tinnitus, and aural pressure), should be determined. Physical examination includes an ear and neurological examination plus an examination of the vestibular system. Neurological examination is important to rule out central pathology. The Dix-Hallpike test should be carried out if BPPV is suspected.
Investigations
The diagnosis of dizziness is usually made on the basis of the history and examination only. Investigations may not be necessary. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and internal auditory meatus should be carried out if there is concern that there may be central pathology. Vestibular function tests are indicated in some cases. Tests of cardiovascular function may be necessary if a cardiovascular cause is suspected.
Differential diagnosis
- Common
- Uncommon
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- Labyrinthitis
- Cholesteatoma
- Superior semi-circular canal dehiscence
- Perilymphatic fistula
- Mondini's dysplasia
- Posterior fossa tumour
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cerebellar stroke
- Vertebrobasilar insufficiency
- Wallenberg's syndrome
- Trauma
- Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration
- Hereditary ataxia
- Benign intracranial hypertension
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Mal de debarquement syndrome
- Autonomic dysregulation
- Psychophysiological dizziness
- Psychogenic dizziness
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Cogan's syndrome
- Wegener's granulomatosis (granulomatosis with polyangitis)
- Behcet's disease
- Post-surgery
- Lyme disease
- Syphilis
- HIV
- CMV
- HSV-1
