Approach to Acute Dizziness/Vertigo in the Emergency Department: Selected Controversies Regarding Specialty Consultation.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2024

Institution/Department

Center for Interdisciplinary Population and Health Research

Journal Title

Stroke; a journal of cerebral circulation

MeSH Headings

Humans, Dizziness, Vertigo, Emergency Service, Hospital, Referral and Consultation, Acute Disease, Stroke

Abstract

Acute dizziness and vertigo are common emergency department presentations (≈4% of annual visits) and sometimes, a life-threatening diagnosis like stroke is missed. Recent literature reviews the challenges in evaluation of these symptoms and offers guidelines for diagnostic approaches. Strong evidence indicates that when well-trained providers perform a high-quality bedside neurovestibular examination, accurate diagnosis of peripheral vestibular disorders and stroke increases. However, it is less clear who can and should be performing these assessments on a routine basis. This article offers a focused debate for and against routine specialty consultation for patients with acute dizziness or vertigo in the emergency department as well as a potential path forward utilizing new portable technologies to quantify eye movements.

ISSN

1524-4628

First Page

2584

Last Page

2588

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