4.1.3
Acute Vertigo
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 4, Ear, Nose and Throat Conditions.
Clinical Description
An acute syndrome, consisting of vertigo, nystagmus, nausea, vomiting and postural instability.
Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden onset and intermittent symptoms, vertigo following head movement, vomiting and nystagmus
Investigations
- Positive Dix-Hall pike test
- Need for neuro imaging to find cause and treat appropriately
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause
Complications and Referral Criteria
- Suspected intracranial mass lesions or cerebellar stroke.
- Suspected vestibular neuritis.
- Patients not responding to therapy for exclusion of alternative etiology.
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