Neurotological Evaluation of Vertigo

Neurotological Evaluation of Vertigo

What is Neurotological Evaluation of Vertigo?

Νευροωτολογικός Έλεγχος Ιλίγγου

Neuro-otological vertigo testing is a specialised procedure used to diagnose and assess the causes of vertigo and other related balance disorders. Vertigo is the sensation that the environment around you is spinning or moving and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking. This condition may be caused by problems with the inner ear, brain, or nervous system.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing vertigo involves a series of clinical and imaging tests conducted by a neurotologist or an otolaryngologist. The evaluation begins with a detailed patient history and a clinical examination, which may include:

  1. Otoscopy:Examination of the ear to detect any abnormalities in the ear canal and eardrum.
  2. Audiometry:Hearing assessment to identify hearing issues that may be related to vertigo.
  3. Nystagmography:Recording of involuntary eye movements induced by vertigo.
  4. Balance Tests:Evaluation of the patient's balance through various tests, such as the Romberg test and the Fukuda stepping test.

Additionally, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be required to identify any abnormalities in the brain or ears.

Treatment and Management

Treatment for vertigo depends on its underlying cause and may include:

  1. Medication:Administration of drugs to relieve vertigo symptoms, such as antihistamines, antiemetics, and anxiolytics.
  2. Balance Rehabilitation:Specialized exercises and physical therapies to improve balance and help the brain adapt to changes causing vertigo.
  3. Therapeutic Maneuvers:Techniques such as the Epley and Semont maneuvers, which help alleviate benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
  4. Surgical Intervention:: In severe cases, where other treatments are not effective, surgery may be needed to correct problems in the inner ear or brain.

The neurotological evaluation of vertigo is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management of balance disorders, ensuring the best possible quality of life for patients.

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