Differential diagnosis "vertigo and dizziness"

Abstract

Vertigo and dizziness are symptoms of interdisciplinary dimension. However, the differentiation and classification of vertigo syndromes also require experience and multidisciplinary knowledge. Since the clinical syndrome is subjective, a detailed analysis of the complaints underlying is required. International disease definitions are an indispensable tool in the differential diagnosis of vertigo syndromes today. With simple diagnostic tools eye movement disorders and nystagmus can be examined and assigned to specific vestibular disorders today. Screening tests (e.g. head impulse test) are now an important instrument in the investigation of patients with vertigo syndromes in case of emergency. With objective diagnostic methods (caloric irrigation, video head impulse test, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials) the degree of functional impairment of the five vestibular receptors can be assessed quantitatively. Furthermore, in vestibulopathies, a receptor and side-specific diagnostic assessment can be performed even with regard to dynamic aspects.