ENT Flashcards

(142 cards)

1
Q

Tonsillitis definition

A

Inflammation of pharyngeal tonsils, usually extending to lingual tonsils and adenoids

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2
Q

Causes of tonsillitis

A

Mostly viral: Adenovirus, rhinovirus, RSV, EBV

Also bacterial: Group A strep (beta haemolytic)

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3
Q

Symptoms of tonsillitis

A
Fever
Sore throat
Halitosis
Dysphagia
Odynophagia
Mild airway obstruction
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4
Q

Signs of tonsillitis

A

Respiratory distress
Tonsillar changes: Erythema, oedema, +/- exudate
Tender cervical lymphadenopathy
Requires flexible nasoendoscopy if severe or presence of respiratory distress

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5
Q

Management of tonsillitis

A

ABCs with resus and airway care of necessary
If bacterial- ABX- GAS- IV penicillin 2mu Q6h for acute inpatients, 10/7 oral for outpatients
Steroids for inpatients- dexamethasone stat or ads
Supportive therapy: Antiemetics, analgesia, antipyretics

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6
Q

Complications of GAS tonsillitis

A

Suppurative: Peritonsillar abscess, deep neck space infections, cervical lymphadenitis
Non-suppurative: Scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

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7
Q

Describe EBV tonsillitis and the management of this condition

A

EBV is also called mononucleosis
Consider it with tonsillitis + tender lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, severe lethargy, and a white/grey membrane over tonsils
Confirmed via blood test
Takes longer to resolve, avoid contact sport due to risk of splenic rupture

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8
Q

Define peritonsillar abscess (quinsy)

A

Abscess formation between the tonsil and its capsule

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9
Q

Causes of peritonsillary abscess

A

Secondary to tonsillitis (progresses to cellulitis, then necrosis, then pus formation)
Infection of a minor salivary gland
Often polymicrobial, anaerobic growth. Aerobes likely to be strep, Aureus and H influenzae

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10
Q

Symptoms of peritonsillar abscess

A

Neck pain
Throat pain, worse one side +/- unilateral ear pain
Trismus (lockjaw)
Voice change to hot potato voice- sounds as if a mouthful of hot food

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11
Q

Signs of peritonsillar abscess

A

Resp distress
Tonsillar changes- erythema, uvula deviation to contralateral side, inferior-medial tonsillar displacement, supratonsillar fold/soft palate swelling
Drooling
Trismus
Dehydration
Tender cervical lymphadenopathy
Flexi-nasoendoscopy needed if respiratory distress or to rule out epiglottitis

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12
Q

How do diagnose peritonsillar abscess

A

FBC and U and Es
Monospot to rule out EBV
If deep neck infection suspected, lateral neck X-ray/CT

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13
Q

Management of peritonsillar abscess

A

ABCs
Incision and drainage- mainstay
Supportive therapy- fluids, ABX as for tonsillitis, antipyretics, analgesia

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14
Q

Complications of peritonsillar abscess

A

Deep neck space infection as peritonsillar space is contiguous with parapharyngeal and retropharyngeal spaces

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15
Q

Definition of supraglottitis/epiglottitis

A

Inflammation of structures above the insertion of the glottis in the oropharynx, eg. epiglottis, vallecula, arytenoids and aryepiglottic folds

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16
Q

Causes of supraglottitis/epiglottitis

A

Predominantly strep, staph and gram negatives

H Influenzae used to be the most common cause so ask about vaccination status!

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17
Q

Symptoms of supraglottitis/epiglottitis

A
Sore throat
Odynophagia/dysphagia
Muffled/hot potato voice
Preceding RTI
Fever
Cough
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18
Q

Signs of supraglottitis/epiglottitis

A
Tripodding
Toxic appearance of patient
Drooling
Irritability
Stridor (late sign indiciating airway obstruction
Cervical lymphadenopathy
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19
Q

How to diagnose supraglottitis/epiglottitis

A

Clinical
Lateral neck Xray shows epiglottitis thumb sign where epiglottis becomes swollen and pointed
Flexible nasoendoscopy if tolerated
Blood cultures

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20
Q

Management of supraglottitis/epiglottitis

A

ABCs and early ENT review- key is managing airway
ABX- ceftriaxone is firstline
Supportive measures- analgesics, antiemetics, IV fluids

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21
Q

Definition of deep neck space infections

A

Infection within a neck space created by planes

Most worrying is involvement of the space anterior to the prevertebral fascia- the danger space

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22
Q

Causes of DNSI

A

Inadequately treated pharyngitis, dental abscess or tonsillitis
Sialadenitis (salivary gland inflammation)
IVDU
Malignancy

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23
Q

Symptoms of DNSI

A
Sore throat
Dysphagia
Odynophagia
Trismus
Neck and neck movement pain
\+/- painful neck mass
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24
Q

Signs of DNSI

A

Retropharyngeal abscess: posterior pharynx erythema and swelling
Parapharyngeal abscess: Medial displacement of tonsil and lateral pharyngeal wall
General
Torticollis: Holding neck in twisted position
Tender lymphadenopathy
Danger signs
Neurological deficit eg. hoarse voice due to vocal paralysis (carotid sheath and vagal/recurrent laryngeal nerve pressure)
Horner’s syndrome

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25
Diagnosis of DNSI
CT neck FBC, U and Es Blood cultures
26
Management of DNSI
ABCs and IV fluids ABX I and D
27
Complications of DNSI
Internal jugular thrombophlebitis (Lemiere syndrome)- septic emboli and sepsis Mediastinitis- Chest pain, widened mediastinum on CXR Rare: Carotid rupture. meningitis, cavernous sinus thrombosis
28
Surgical sieve causes of neck lumps
VITAMIN CD V: Vascular (AVM, aneurysm) I: Inflammatory (Submandibular sialadenitis T: Traumatic (Haematoma, ranula- spit cyst following damaged salivary gland A: Autoimmune/allergic (thyroiditis) M: Metabolic (goitre) I: Infective (lymphadenitis, reactive lymphadenopathy, TB) N: Neoplastic (carotid body tumour, chemodectoma, thyroid, lymphoma, SCC) C: Congentita; (Branchial cyst, thyroglossal cyst, dermoid cyst) Degenerative
29
History things to know of neck lumps
Pain: Chronic oral suggests malignancy, unilateral otalgia can be referred and is assoc with tumours at the tongue base, larynx and oropharynx Dysphagia: Tumours are gradual, nasal regurg/aspiration suggests neurological Stridor: Inspiratory sounds caused by blockage at or above vocal cords Hoarseness: suggests laryngeal disease and requires ENT referral Constitutional symptoms suggest malignancy Social factors- smoking and alcohol assoc with cancer, HPV
30
Exam for neck lumps
``` Neck lump size, position, contour, texture, mobility and tenderness Ears Rhinoscopy Oral cavity Cranial nerves Nasoendoscopy Head and neck skin (ca) Thyroid signs ```
31
Ix for neck lumps
Imaging- USS, CT, MRI Cytology/histology- FNA/biopsy Blood tests: FBC, TFTs ENT referral if necessary
32
Define Sinusitis
Inflammation of the sinuses, always accompanies by inflammation of the nasal cavity
33
Define acute sinusitis
Up to 4/52 of sx
34
Causes of acute sinusitis
Viral- symptoms for <10/7 and do not worsen Bacterial- sx for 10/7 beyond URTI, worsen after initial improvement (caused by strep. pneumonia, h influence, mortadella) - Both usually preceded by URTY
35
Sx of acute sinusitis
Purulent nasal discharge Nasal obstruction Facial pain/pressure/fullness This all suggests bacterial more than viral
36
Management of acute sinusitis
1/52 co-amoxiclav | Sinus rinse or surgery may also be indicated
37
Definition of chronic sinusitis
12+ weeks of symptoms post URTI, with 2 or more additional symptoms
38
Causes of chronic sinusitis
Multifactorial - Immune mediated (B and T cells) - Microbial (Aureus) - Anatomical- sinus ostia obstruction
39
Symptoms of chronic sinusitis
``` Mucopurulent discharge Inflammation- mucus, polyps, imaging Congestion Facial pain, pressure, fullness Reduced smell ```
40
Management of chronic sinusitis
ABX- culture directed, 3-4/52 Anti-inflammatories- intra-nasal, oral and any allergy management Saline irrigation Surgery if symptoms are still present following 4-6 weeks of maximal therapy (surgery is called FESS for functional endoscopic sinus surgery)
41
Sinusitis exam
- Anterior rhinos copy with headlight and thudicum speculum | - Flexible nasendoscopy
42
Complications of sinusitis (orbital infection)
``` Periorbital oedema Orbital celllulitis Subperiosteal abscess Orbital abscess Cavernous sinus thrombosis ```
43
Intracranial complications of sinusitis
Meningitis Epidural abscess Pott's puffy tumour (osteomyelitis of the frontal bone with subperiosteal abscess)
44
Definition of allergic rhinitis
Inflammation of the nasal mucous membranes caused by IgE reaction to one or more allergens
45
Symptoms of allergic rhinitis
Clear, watery nasal discharge Itching nose, eyes and throat Nasal congestion May be seasonal or trigger based such as pollen or cats
46
Management of allergic rhinitis
Antihistamines Intranasal corticosteroids Other options include systemic steroids if consistently failing above or decongestants (but these have rebound effects)
47
Definition of epistaxis
Bleeding from the nose due to mucosal erosion and exposure of underlying vessels
48
Causes of epistaxis
Infection- cold/flu Trauma- nose picking, foreign body, dry air inhalation Medications- anticoagulants, topical therapy, drugs Rare: systemic such as coagulopathy, sarcoidosis, wegeners granulomatosis Tumour More than 95% of bleeding comes from Kiesselbach's plexus (little's area)
49
History points to know about epistaxis
Unilateral or bilateral start? (ant bleeds are uni, post bi) General med hx for systemic conditions, anticoagulants and smoking Bruising/bleeding/nosebleed hx FHx bleeding disorders Foreign body insertion
50
Exam for epistaxis
Local anaesthetic required! (may stop the bleed) | Headlight, speculum and suction- identify source
51
Ix for epistaxis
FBC- haemorrhage severity Coag screen esp if warfarin BP- this can contribute to bleeds
52
Management of anterior epistaxis
1. Pinch nose for 10 mins with or without ice sucking 2. Cotton bowls soaked in lidocaine and adrenaline- multiple times 3. Cautery with silver nitrate sticks- only when sourced and stopped 4. Rapid rhino/merocal for 24h 5. Bilat rapid rhinos 6. Arterial ligation and embolisation
53
Management of posterior epistaxis
1. Uni/bilateral rapid rhinos | 2. Endoscopic sphenopalatine ligation for persistent bleeds
54
What is the danger of batteries and the nose?
Batteries causes alkali burns and tissue necrosis
55
Define stridor
A mainly inspiratory noise indicating a partial upper airway obstruction A MEDICAL EMERGENCY in children
56
Causes of stridor in children
Traumatic: Foreign body Autoimmune/allergic: Anaphylaxis Infective: Croup, tracheitis, supra/epiglottitis, DSNI Neoplastic: Respiratory papillomatosis, vocal cord papilloma, cysts, nodules Congenital: Laryngomalacia, laryngeal web, vocal cord paralysis, subglottic stenosis
57
Pathogenesis of laryngomalacia
Stridor develops due to the prolapse of supraglottic structures into the laryngeal inlet during inspiration Most common cause of infantile stridor and most common laryngeal anomaly
58
Management of laryngomalacia
Conservative- 10% need surgery | Often resolves by 18-20 months of age
59
Pathogenesis of laryngeal web
Congenital condition presenting with abnormal cry and stridor Due to embryonic failure of laryngeal recanalisation
60
Management of laryngeal web
Thin webs- incision | Thick webs - stenting
61
Definition and causes of subglottic stenosis
Partial or complete subglottic narrowing May be congenital or acquired Congenital- birth stridor (intermittent if mild) Acquired- secondary to previous ET intubation
62
Management of subglottic stenosis
Varies based on age, grade and type of stenosis | Anything from observation if mild to reconstruction if severe
63
Definition of dysphonia (hoarseness)
Change in voice
64
Causes of dysphonia
Trauma: Voice abuse and misuse leading to inflammation, nodules and polyps Neoplasm: Benign- nodule, polyp, papilloma, cyst. Malignant- laryngeal SCC Other: Vocal cord paralysis, recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis
65
Symptoms of dysphonia to ask about
Onset, duration and progression Preceding URTI, trauma, ET intubation Smoking and alcohol use Employment- professional voice users have increased trauma rates Thyroid and reflux history Age- assoc. with increased malignancy, whereas children likely have benign nodules or papillomatosis Assoc symptoms such as dysphagia/odynophagia
66
Dysphonia exam components
Head and neck exam Flexible nasoendoscopy Video stroboscopy- slow motion recording of vocal cords
67
Management of dysphonia
Malignancy- depends on histology, grade and stage Multidisciplinary. Surgery may require partial or total laryngectomy +/- flap reconstruction, radiotherapy may be primary or adjuvant. Chemotherapy is rarely used Vocal fold papilloma- requires collation (surgery)
68
Chronic cough definition
Cough lasting >8 weeks
69
Causes of chronic cough
Post-nasal drip as secretions increase cough Asthma GORD either through acid exposure or micro aspiration if no heartburn sx These 3 make up 95% of causes! Others include ACE inhibitors, smoking, CHF etc
70
How to differentiate between causes of chronic cough
Post-nasal drip is diagnosed often due to long term response to chronic rhino sinusitis treatments. Underlying allergies should also be managed Non-asthmatic eosinophilic bronchitis Is diagnosed on sputum showing eosinophilia (very good response to corticosteroids) GORD is based on PPI treatment
71
Stepwise management of chronic cough
1. Smoking cessation and other factors (eg allergies) for 1 month 2. CXR to rule out pulmonary lesions 3. Trial PPI 4. CT sinuese 5. Induced sputum 6. TB culture sputum, high res CT, bronchoscopy
72
Globus definition
Persistent or intermittent painless sensation of a lump or foreign body in the throat
73
Causes of globus
``` GORD accounts for up to 50% Nonspecific oesophageal motility disorder Malignancy Psychosomatic or stress dincued Retroverted epiglottis Thyroid disease TMJ dysfunction ```
74
Investigations and management for globus
Evaluate for reflux, malignancy and psych factors 3 month PPI trial ENT exam to exclude sinister causes If PPI not helping, 24h monitoring of gastric pH, as well as endoscopy and barium swallow If no cause or response found- psych input
75
Define Zenker diverticulum
Herniation of the posterior pharyngeal/oesophageal mucosa and submucosa secondary to increased intraluminal pressure
76
Causes of zenker
Lack of muscle coordination | Hypertensive upper oesophagus
77
Symptoms of Zenker diverticulum
Dysphagia Regurgitation (+/- aspiration) of undigested food Halitosis
78
Zenker diverticulum investigations
Barium swallow | Fiberoptic endoscopic swallow evaluation +/- GORD pH evaluation
79
Management of zenker diverticulum
Endoscopic CO2 laser/electrocautery | Open repair
80
Definition of otitis externa
An inflammatory and infectious process of the external auditory canal +/- auricle
81
Causes of otitis externa
Bacterial- pseudomonas, S aureus, S epidermidis, proteus, E coli, diphteroids
82
Risk factors for otitis externa
Heat Humidity Trauma Water exposure- results in cerumin removal from EAC- swimmers especially prone
83
Symptoms of otitis externa
``` ear pain Ear discharge Aural fullness Pruritis Tenderness Hearing loss IF ADVANCED Oedema Erythema of auricle/pinna ```
84
Signs of otitis externa
EAC oedema, erythema and otorrhea Pain on distraction of the pinna Periauricular/cervical lymphadenopathy
85
Management of otitis externa
1. ABX- sofradex firstling, cipro and steroid for pseudomonas or second line 2. Earwick for 48h to stent EAC if occluded- allows ABX to reach infection site 3. Suction and microscope guidance if experienced 4. Analgesia 5. If exostoses present- surgical management to prevent recurrence Steroids help reduce ear canal swelling
86
Complications of otitis externa
Malignant otitis externa- skullbase osteomyelitis | EAC -> temporal bone --> beyond, especially in elderly diabetics
87
Define acute otitis media
Inflammation and infection of the middl ear
88
Causes of acute otitis media
Pathogenesis is Eustachian tube dysfunction leading to pathogens from the nasopharynx moving to the middle ear Usually preceded by a viral URTY, causing tube inflammation and dysfunction Common agents include S pneumonia, H influenza and moraxella
89
Symptoms of otitis media
``` Otalgia Fever Hearing loss Otorrhea if perforated drum reduced appetite Concurrent URTI Children- fussiness and irritability ```
90
Signs of otitis media
Bulging erythematous tympanic membrane
91
Management of acute otitis media
Analgesia and watchful waiting for low risk children ABX in severe illness, those less than 6mo old and those not improving within 48h Amox is first line and erythromycin/cotrimoxazole are second line In paeds always give max dose for weight range Analgesia- paracetamol firstline, ibuprofen if not contraindicated
92
List the complications of acute otitis media
``` TM perforation Mastoiditis Facial nerve paresis in children Labyrinthitis Intracranial complications ```
93
Describe TM perforation as complication of AOM
Most heal in 3 weeks, if not within 3 months then ORL referral Can cause long term hearing loss and choleastoma
94
Describe mastoiditis as complication of AOM
Fevers, post-auricular erythema, tenderness, ear proptosis and other AOM findings- emergency due to infection spread
95
Facial nerve paresis as complication of AOM
Children secondary to bacterial toxins or cytokines on CNVII in the mastoid cavity NB other causes can be herpes zoster oticus (Ramsay Hunt Syndrome), skull base fracture, parotid tmoursm cholesteatoma and meningioma
96
Describe labyrinthitis as complication of AOM
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, vertigo and nystagmus with nausea and vomiting In AOM this is secondary to bacteria invading the round window and can cause meningitis
97
What intracranial complications can occur as complication of AOM
Meningitis Abscess- epi/subdural, cerebral Sigmoid sinus thrombophlebitis
98
Define AOM plus effusion (glue ear)
Inflammation of the middle ear with presence of effusion
99
Causes of glue ear
Eustachian tube dysfunction either secondary to pressure dysfunction (causing 've pressure in the middle ear, transudative secretion and chronic inflammation) OR AOM reflux induced mucin transudate Dysfunction is worsened by parental smoking, lack of breast feeding, adenoid hypertrophy and daycare attendance
100
Symptoms of glue ear
Often asymptomatic Hearing loss Trouble sleeping secondary to pressure
101
Signs of glue ear
``` Dull grey/yellow immobile TM on otoscopy Abnormal tympanometry (TM motility test) Conductive hearing loss on audiometry NB flexible nasoendoscopy should be performed in adults to rule out nasopharyngeal tumour ```
102
Management of glue ear
Varies depending on pt risk High risk of speech language or learning deficiency in children- ENT referral, ?grommets or adenoidectomy Low risk- watchful waiting
103
Complications of glue ear
Conductive hearing loss and developmental impact Speech delay Atelectasis/retractive TM secondary to negative pressure in middle ear, potentially leading to ossicular erosion, hearing loss and cholesteatoma Cholesteatoma- retracted tympanic membrane leading to disruption of squamous epithelial movement
104
Cholesteatoma definition
Destructive lesion of the skull base and middle ear formed by trapped squamous epithelium
105
Causes of cholesteatoma
Secondary to TM retraction Squamous epithelium migration during surgery such as grommets Congenital
106
Pathogenesis of cholesteatoma
Trapped epithelium forms a sac with keratin debris, which grows and migrates This causes osteoclast activation, eustachian tube dysfunction and oedema, leading to a bacterial medium
107
Symptoms of cholesteatoma
``` Persistent/recurrent purulent discharge Painless discharge is the hallmark Hearing loss tinitus Vertigo Ataxia Facial nerve paresis ```
108
Signs of cholesteatoma + ix
No response to otitis externa treatment Retraction on otoscopy Copious discharge on otoscopy Investigate with audiometry, CT and MRI if other structures involved such as factial nerve, cranium, labyrinth
109
Management of cholesteatoma
Mastoidectomy, extent depending on location Microscopic debris removal from external canal Keep ears dry Topical ABX
110
Complications of cholesteatoma
Bone and ossicular chain erosion Sensorineural hearing loss and dizziness Facial nerve injury Infection- mastoiditis, meningitis, intracranial abscess, sigmoid sinus thrombosis
111
Conductive causes of hearing loss
``` Cerumen impaction Middle ear effusion and glue ear TM perforation Chronic suppurative otitis media Cholesteatoma Otosclerosis ```
112
Sensorineural causes of hearing loss
``` Syndromic or non syndromic conditions LBW/sepsis Infections pre or post natal Trauma Ototoxic drugs like aminoglycosides Presbycusis/age related Neoplasms- accoustic neuroma/cerebellopontine angle tumours ```
113
History to know about hearing loss
Duration, nature, progression and side(s) of hearing loss Presence or absence of tinnitus, vertigo, imbalance, otorrhea, headache, facial nerve dysfunction Previous head trauma, ototoxic drugs, noise exposure and family history
114
Exam for hearing loss
Otoscopy Nose, nasopharynx and oral exam with nasoendoscopy if needed CN exam- V, VII and VIII plus weber and rinne tests
115
Ix for hearing loss
Audiometry | Imaging- CT if cholesteatoma, MRI if asymmetric SNHL
116
Management of hearing loss
Environmental: Reduce background noise and ensure good lighting on speakers face Amplification- hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids Cochlear implant
117
Define presbycusis
Otherwise unexplained SNHL in the elderly
118
Causes of presbycusis
Multifactorial - Genetic - Noise trauma - Diet and ototoxic drugs - Age related changes- decreased auditory cells, increased processing time, reduced hair/supporting cells, CNVIII fibre loss
119
Sx of presbycusis
``` Progressive hearing loss Worse with ambient noise Often high noise jobs or FHx involved Exam to exclude other DDx Audiometry is diagnostic but consider other tests if unsure ```
120
Management of presbycusis
Hearing aids Assisting devices- amplifiers, TV headsets Cochlear implants only for profound loss
121
Definition of vertigo
Perception of movement in the absence of movement
122
Overall cause of vertigo
Asymmetry in baseline vestibular centre input, causing vertigo, nystagmus and vomiting
123
Central causes of vertigo
Ischaemic- TIA, stroke, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, migraine Neoplastic- accoustic neuroma assoc with unilateral progressive hearing loss MS
124
Peripheral causes of vertigo
``` BPPV Meniere disease Vestibular neuronitis Labyrinthitis Others including otitis media and sinusitis ```
125
History things to know for vertigo
How long episodes last Sudden or gradual onset Assoc with movements or postures Tinnitus, hearing loss, otalgia, aural fullness, otorrhea Preceding URTI Smoking, medication, herbal remidies Systems review for gait, head trauma, pmhx and other ENT issues
126
Exam for vertigo
Vital signs- lying standing BP full ENT exam- esp for infection and hearing loss Dix hallpike manoeuvre, romberg's head thrust and caloric testic
127
Ix for vertigo
MRI with asymmetric hearing loss (suspect accoustic neuroma) | Baseline bloods- FBC, u and es, glucose
128
Definition of BPPV
Vertigo elicited by certain head positions, which trigger nystagmus
129
Causes of BPPV
Canalithiasis- otoliths become detached from saccule/utricle and float freely, exerting force on the cupula mechanism (think pebbles in a tyre) Cupulolithiasis- otolith deposits on the cupulae themselves, causing them to be more sensitive to gravity in certain positions (think top heavy pole hard to hold straight)
130
Sx of BPPV
sudden, severe 30s vertigo Assoc with head movement and position changes Assoc with nausea and vomiting
131
Exam for BPPV
Dix hallpike is diagnosis- shows nystagmus | Otherwise normal exam
132
Management of BPPV
Canalith repositioning with modified epley manoeuver Vestibulosuppressants if symptomatic relief needed- promethazine, benzos, scopolamine Surgery if intractable
133
Definition of meniere disease
An inner ear disorder causing syndromic features including vertigo Causes of meniere disease- overall unknown, but thought to be due to infections/immune responses/allergies
134
Sx of meniere disease
``` Occurs as attacks lasting hours Unilateral fluctuating SNHL Vertigo for minutes to hours Constant or intermittent tinnitus Aural fullness Assoc with nausea and vomiting Lethargy a few days post ```
135
Ix for meniere disease
Clinical diagnosis Audiometry confirms SNH Rule out syphilis and do MRI for neoplasm
136
Management of meniere disease- acute
Vestibular suppressants- promethazine, benzos, scopolamine | Betahistine
137
Management of meniere disease- long term
``` Salt restriction Thiazide diuretic Betahistine Aminoglycoside injection to middle ear Surgery if severe and intractable ```
138
Definition of vestibular neuronitis
A sustained, acute dysfunction of the peripheral vestibular system
139
Causes of vestibular neuronitis
Reactivation of HSV in vestibular ganglion/nerve (most likely) Other viruses
140
Sx of vestibular neuronitis
Vertigo, N and V No hearing loss Lasts days and is debilitating - If SNHL is present, suggests labyrinthitis- ABX and admit
141
Signs of vestibular neuronitis
Normal hearing and neuro exam | Nystagmus with slow phase towards affected ear
142
Management of vestibular neuronitis
Vestibular suppressants- promethazinem benzos and scopolamine 3 weeks of corticosteroids (reduces risk of long term vestibular functional loss)