The Dizzy Patient Flashcards
(42 cards)
What is dizziness?
a non-specific term which may cover vertigo, pre-syncope,
What is vertigo?
a sensation of movement, usually spinning, usually in the horizontal plane
What semicircular canal is invovled in dizziness on a roundabout?
lateral (horizontal) canal
What are the organs involved in balance?
ear; eye; joints; heart; brain
Why would RA or OA affect balance?
joint receptors give information about where those joints are- proprioception- if RA or OA, these receptors could be affected
How could stress lead to vertigo?
if stressed and hperventilate
When does nystagmus occur?
when the semicircular canals are being stimulated while the head is not in motion- VOR is initiated
What does the direction of nystagmus depend on?
the canal being stimulated
What does nystagmus differentiate between in the causes of dizziness?
nystagmus will be observed in vestibular pathologies but not in non-vestibular
What are hte most common causes of diziness?
postural hypotension; side effect of medication and psychogenic
What are some associated symptoms of dizziness?
tinnitus; LOC; palpitations; incontinence
What is the commonest cause of vertigo on looking up?
benign positional paroxysmal vertigo
What are the causes of BPPV?
head trauma; ear surgery; idiopathic
What is the pathophysiology of BPPV?
otolith materal from utricle displaced into semicircular canals
What SCC is commonly affected in BPPV?
posterior
What may BPPV be confusedwith?
vertebrobasilar insufficienc
How can you differentiate between BPPV and vertebrobasilar insufficienct?
for VBI need other symptoms of impaired circulation in posterior brain eg visual disturbance; weakness; numbenss
When do patients wtih BPPV get vertigo?
always on movement- looking up; turning in bed; moving head quiccklly; bending forward etc
How long do BPPV episodes last?
seconds- minutes
What are the associated symptoms of BPPV?
none- no tinnitus; hearing loss or aural fullness
What is the diagnostic test for BPPV?
Hallpike’s test
How is Hallpike’s test carried out?
sit on couch so that head will be off one end when pt lies back, turn head 45 to one side- to the side you want to test; warn pt NOT to close eyes if dizzy; lie back as quickly as possible ; hold in position and observe
What is the limitation of Hallpike’s test?
only tests posterior and superior SCC- not the anterior
How long must you wait for Hallpike’s test?
at least 30 seconds
