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The role of the vestibular assessment

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 2009

J S Phillips ,
J E FitzGerald  and
A P Bath
J S Phillips*
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
J E FitzGerald
Affiliation:
Department of Audiology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
A P Bath
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr John S Phillips, Paddock House, The Common, Mellis IP23 8EF, UK. E-mail: john.phillips@mac.com
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Abstract

Objective:

To evaluate the role of vestibular assessment in the management of the dizzy patient.

Materials and methods:

A retrospective review of case notes and vestibular assessment reports of 100 consecutive patients referred for vestibular assessment.

Results:

Sixty of the 100 patients had an abnormal vestibular assessment. Eleven patients had benign paroxysmal positional vertigo as the sole diagnosis, of whom nine had not had a Dix–Hallpike manoeuvre performed before referral. Of patients referred for vestibular rehabilitation, 76 per cent had an abnormal electrophysiological assessment. After vestibular assessment, 35 patients were discharged with no further follow-up appointments in the ENT department.

Conclusions:

All patients should have a Dix–Hallpike manoeuvre performed prior to referral for vestibular assessment. The majority of our patients undergoing vestibular rehabilitation had abnormal test results, although a significant number did not. Prior to referral, it is worth considering the implication of a ‘normal’ and ‘abnormal’ result for the management of the patient. Careful consideration should be given to the development of dedicated dizziness clinics run by practitioners with a specialist interest in balance disorders, in order to ensure appropriate requests for vestibular assessment.

Keywords

Vestibular AssessmentDizzinessVertigoBenign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 11 , November 2009 , pp. 1212 - 1215
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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