Neuro-otologic history

Abstract

Throughout medicine, the clinical history is the most important diagnostic tool. This is particularly true in vestibular disease, where pathologic confirmation of the disease process is rare. Many vestibular conditions are more appropriately called syndromes, rather than diseases, because the pathology is either variable or unknown. Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology provides the basis of understanding the control of balance and the symptoms that might occur should something go wrong. History taking should cover the elements of the balance system, including vestibular function, vision, hearing, somatosensation, and motor function.