An assessment of vertigo patients presenting to the otorhinolaryngology and neurology outpatient clinics

Abstract

Objective: Vertigo is a general term used for disorientation and is a frequent cause of admission to emergencyservices, otorhinolaryngology and neurology outpatient clinics. This study aims to evaluate the clinical findings,diagnostic laboratory tests, brain magnetic resonance imaging, and Doppler ultrasonography results of patientswith complaints of vertigo.Methods: Patients aged >18 years who admitted to the Otorhinolaryngology and Neurology Outpatient clinicsof Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Training and Research Hospital with the main complaint of vertigobetween January 2017 and August 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were evaluated in respectof anamnesis, examination findings, and diagnostic tests (pure tone audiometry, video nystagmography, brainmagnetic resonance imaging, and carotid and vertebral artery Doppler ultrasonography).Results: The study included a total of 101 patients with a mean age of 46.36 ± 16.1 years who presented withthe complaint of vertigo. Of the patients, 16 had an ischemic gliotic region, 4 had a lacunar infarct, 2 had anarachnoid cyst, 2 had a cerebellar infarct, 1 had a meningioma, and 1 had a pineal gland cyst on the brainmagnetic resonance imaging. Of the patients evaluated in the Otorhinolaryngology outpatient clinic, 87(86.13%) were diagnosed with peripheral vertigo and 14 (13.6%) with central vertigo. A diagnosis of centralvertigo was made in 23 (22.77%) patients evaluated in the Neurology outpatient clinic.Conclusions: For patients presenting with the complaint of vertigo to the otorhinolaryngology and neurologyoutpatient clinics, a detailed anamnesis and a physical examination precede specific vestibular tests in thediagnosis. A coordinated communication of both clinics is important for a rapid diagnosis and prevention ofunnecessary examinations.