What kind of procedures are applied to the patient with vertigo
For deciding a diagnosis in a patient with vertigo, the most important point is to get detailed information from the patient, that is anamnesis. Patient should be listened very carefully. Sometimes it can be diagnosed very simple, sometimes further advanced tests might be required. Questions such as when the disease begins, how long it lasts, if there is accompanying symptoms, nausea and vomiting, hearing loss, tinnitus, repetitions, whether or not it has increased with head movement, should be asked and noted one by one.
After the initial evaluation, general ENT examination is performed, the areas stimulated by nerve structures on the body are examined and then simple balance tests are performed.
Eye movements are followed during these examinations. It is checked if there is involuntary eye movements, called as nystagmus. Nystagmus is very important in the distinctive diagnosis of vertigo. Sometimes, some body maneuvers are done to reveal nystagmus. Duration, direction and fixation of nystagmus give information about if vertigo is related to brain or ear.
Finger-nose test, Romberg test, walking test can also be added to the examination. Thus, we try to have knowledge about the location of the pathology. Then, other laboratory tests are started. Audiometry (Hearing Tests): Provides important clues for peripheral vertigo. It substantially supports the diagnosis especially for Meniere's disease.
Balance tests can be added to acquire more detailed information about the vestibular system. While VNG (videonistagmography), caloric test, ENG, etc. tests are available, advanced VHIT and VEMP tests can provide much clear information today.
Radiological Tests: Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance can be performed occasionally for the diagnosis of particularly brain-related vertigo. Patient is re-evaluated after these are completed and diagnosis is figured out.
We prefer FMRI imaging method, which gives much more detail, in our study protocols.
* VHIT and VEMP tests are the most advanced devices in the world. They provide precise diagnosis. These new and advanced technologies are available in our unit.
Treatment:
The important fact in vertigo (dizziness) is to determine the diagnosis. It is to find out where the pathologies originate from. Treatment will be followed afterwards. Because, treatment may vary according to the disease. Diagnosis and treatment must certainly be decided by a qualified physician with adequate knowledge and experience on the subject. Vertigo can also be a sign of serious diseases. If you have such complaints, please do not neglect it. Please contact us to overcome this situation and receive the right treatment.
