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. 2022 Jul 27;48(1):125.
doi: 10.1186/s13052-022-01313-7.

Neurological vertigo in the emergency room in pediatric and adult age: systematic literature review and proposal for a diagnostic algorithm

Noemi Pellegrino  1 , Vincenzo Di Stefano  2 , Eleonora Rotondo  3 , Alessandro Graziosi  4 , Marianna Gabriella Rispoli  5 , Angelo Torrente  2 , Antonino Lupica  2 , Filippo Brighina  2 , Umberto Raucci  6 , Pasquale Parisi  7
Affiliations

Neurological vertigo in the emergency room in pediatric and adult age: systematic literature review and proposal for a diagnostic algorithm

Noemi Pellegrino et al. Ital J Pediatr. .

Abstract

Neurological vertigo is a common symptom in children and adults presenting to the emergency department (ED) and its evaluation may be challenging, requiring often the intervention of different medical specialties. When vertigo is associated with other specific symptoms or signs, a differential diagnosis may be easier. Conversely, if the patient exhibits isolated vertigo, the diagnostic approach becomes complex and only through a detailed history, a complete physical examination and specific tests the clinician can reach the correct diagnosis. Approach to vertigo in ED is considerably different in children and adults due to the differences in incidence and prevalence of the various causes. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the etiopathologies of neurological vertigo in childhood and adulthood, highlighting the characteristics and the investigations that may lead clinicians to a proper diagnosis. Finally, this review aims to develop an algorithm that could represent a valid diagnostic support for emergency physicians in approaching patients with isolated vertigo, both in pediatric and adult age.

Keywords: Adulthood; Childhood; Emergency department; Vertigo.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Algorithm for evaluation of neurological vertigo in children
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Algorithm for evaluation of neurological vertigo in adults
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
PRISMA diagram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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