Acute Vestibular Syndrome

This article provides a practical approach to acute vestibular syndrome while highlighting recent research advances. RECENT FINDINGS Acute vestibular syndrome is defined as sudden-onset, continuous vertigo lasting longer than 24 hours with associated nausea and vomiting, all of which are worsened with head movement. Acute vestibular syndrome is provoked by a variety of central and peripheral causes, the most common of which are vestibular neuritis and acute stroke (posterior circulation). A clinical approach focusing on timing, associated history, and ocular motor findings can improve diagnostic accuracy and is more sensitive and specific than early neuroimaging. Because of the shared neurovascular supply, both peripheral and central vestibular disorders can manifest overlapping signs previously considered solely peripheral or central, including vertical skew, nystagmus, abnormal vestibular ocular reflex, hearing loss, and gait instability. Although acute vestibular syndrome is typically benign, stroke should be considered in every person with acute vestibular syndrome because it can act as a harbinger of stroke or impending cerebellar herniation. Treatment is focused on physical therapy because the evidence is minimal for the long-term use of medication. SUMMARY The diagnosis of acute vestibular syndrome first requires the elimination of common medical causes for dizziness. Next, underlying pathology must be determined by distinguishing between the most common ...
Source: CONTINUUM: Lifelong Learning in Neurology - Category: Neurology Tags: REVIEW ARTICLES Source Type: research