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Q: 

How does a doctor accurately diagnose vertigo?

By Anonymous January 10, 2012 - 2:13pm
 
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Are there certain tests done to rule out . .. let's say .. . . a BRAIN TUMOR, brain cancer .. or other diseases before giving a diagnosis of vertigo? My friend was diagnosed with vertigo and was just curious. Thank you.

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Guide

The most common finding on a physical exam, in the process of diagnosing the cause of vertigo, is lateral gaze nystogmus. This means the person's eyes move laterally, side to side, when the person's head is kept straight but is asked to look from side to side. This lateral movement is slight.

Generally, a physician will prescribe a drug such as meclizine, which eliminated vertigo.

If this medication does not eliminate the symptom of vertigo, a CT scan of skull is ordered. The scan focuses specifically on the internal auditory meatus, which is the area of the brain directly behind the ear, to look for an acoustic neuroma (tumor).

I hope this answers your question,

Maryann

January 10, 2012 - 5:32pm
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