(Medicine of Elderly) (GP)

Overview

• Peripheral vestibular disorder that manifests as sudden, short-lived episodes of vertigo elicited by specific head movements
• One of the most common causes of vertigo
• Caused by otoliths/canaliths dislodging and moving into one of the semicircular canals (posterior, lateral or anterior) where it disrupts endolymph dynamics.
• F>M, peak incidence 50-70 yrs old
• Aeitology → idiopathic (most common)
• Risk Factors → head trauma, vestibular neuronitis, labyrinthitis, migraines, inner ear surgery and meniere's disease

Making Diagnosis

Clinical Features:

• Vertigo provoked by specific head movements
• Brief duration of vertigo (<1 minute)
• Episodic and Sudden Onset vertigo (sensation of head spinning)
• Nausea, Imbalance & Lightheadedness

Consider other diagnosis if → vertigo lasts >1min, associated hearing loss, associated neurological symptoms