Differential diagnosis of vertigo: Case reports

Abstract

Introduction: Vertigo represents illusion or hallucination of movement caused by disturbance of perception of own movements or movements of observed object. It is caused by dysfunction of the inner ear vestibular apparatus (peripheral vertigo) or parts of central nervous system (central vertigo). Making distinction between these two types is very important for the making of rational decision by emergency medicine physician. Case report I: Female, 69 years of age is referred to neurologist in Emergency Center for attacks of acute onset rotatory vertigo, horizontal nystagmus and severe autonomic disturbances provoked by movement. Anamnesis, clinical, neuroultrasound examinations and CT scan showed no signs of acute neurologic disease. Treatment of peripheral type vertigo with vasodilators was indicated and further continued with otolaryngologist follow up. Case report II: Male, 72 years of age was treated on Clinic of Neurology for infarction of left cerebellar hemisphere. Symptoms at onset were vertigo, headache, diplopia, nausea and vomiting. Neurological examination revealed right sided horizontalrotatory nystagmus with fine vertical nystagmus, astasia/abasia and right sided hemiparesis. Treatment included thrombolytic, antithrombotic and anticoagulant therapy, as well as established vascular risk treatment. Conclusion: Role of emergency physician in establishing of etiology of vertigo at the place of onset is very important. Detailed anamnesis about onset of symptoms and their duration, clinical examination, diagnostic (ABCD2) score, and therapeutic repositioning (Epley) maneuver ensure fast triage and shorter transport delays if necessary.

Keywords

• peripheral vertigo
• central vertigo
• emergency medical services
• differential diagnosis