CONCLUSION

 

Dizziness and related symptoms are among the most common reasons why individuals seek medical evaluation.  Primary care physicians evaluate the vast majority of these symptoms, and most are treated successfully.

The patient’s history and findings on vestibular examination are critical in identifying underlying causes.  Auditory, vestibular, complementary blood and radiologic tests help in narrowing the differential diagnosis and tailoring treatment.  Vestibular tests should be ordered after careful history taking and examination because they do not provide the clinician with diagnostic information.

Most patients are treated medically and with vestibular rehabilitation.  In addition to the appropriate medical and rehabilitative managements, safety must be emphasized and discussed with patients and their families.  Occupational and physical therapists are helpful in addressing home safety and providing a structured balance-rehabilitation program.

Vestibular research will increase the utility of current tests and further expand the role of vestibular rehabilitation.  New knowledge of molecular biology and genetics of vestibular disorders (eg, the genetics of motion sickness) will probably lead to new biotechnology, vestibular pacers, implants, and pharmacologic modulators of the vestibular and balance system.