Subjective Vestibular Assessment

Original Editor - Jess Bell based on the course by Bernard Tonks
Top Contributors - Jess Bell and Kim Jackson

This article or area is currently under construction and may only be partially complete. Please come back soon to see the finished work! (4/07/2021)

Introduction

As discussed here, there are a number of conditions that can cause dysfunction of the vestibular system. Examples of vestibular pathologies include:

• Vestibular labyrinthitis or neuritis (also termed neuronitis)
• Labyrinthine concussion (unilateral vestibular lesions or bilateral vestibular lesions) or post-concussion syndrome
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Perilymphatic fistula
• Primary endolymphatic hydrops (Meniere’s disease)
• Secondary endolymphatic hydrops (traumatic, infections etc)
• Utricular dysfunctions
• Superior canal dehiscence syndrome (congenital, but trauma can also ‘activate’)
• Central vestibulopathies (sensory integration dysfunctions)
• Drug toxicity
• Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
• Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS)

A detailed subjective and objective assessment is necessary when treating patients with vertigo or dizziness to determine the most effective treatment for each patient.