Vertigo: Streamlining the Evaluation through Symptom Localization

Med Clin North Am. 2021 Sep;105(5):901-916. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2021.05.011. Epub 2021 Jul 12.

Abstract

Vertigo is defined as the illusion of internal or external motion. The evaluation of a patient with vertigo in the primary care setting should not necessarily focus on providing a specific diagnosis. Rather, the physician should aim to localize the lesion. This practice streamlines the workup of patients. This article provides detailed information regarding appropriate organ system-based clinical history and the clinical workup of vertigo. Additional signs and symptoms that can facilitate appropriate referral and treatment are highlighted. Although disorder-specific treatments exist the mainstay of therapy for vertigo-induced pathology is physical therapy.

Keywords: Central vestibular disorders; Peripheral vestibular disorders; Vertigo; Vestibular examination.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Physical Examination
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Primary Health Care
  • Vertigo / diagnosis
  • Vertigo / etiology
  • Vertigo / pathology*
  • Vertigo / therapy