Risk for Stroke Associated with Peripheral Vertigo

Dizziness is the reason for 10% of emergency department (ED) visits in the U.S., at a cost of more than $1.6 billion annually. Central nervous system conditions, especially ischemic strokes, are a rare cause of dizziness in patient presenting to the ED, although the risk for stroke associated with vertigo or dizziness has varied across studies. Unfortunately, widely used diagnostic tests for dizziness, vertigo, lightheadedness, and disequilibrium are difficult to apply in the ED and may allow central causes to be missed.

To determine the risk for stroke, in patients discharged from the ED with a diagnosis of a peripheral vestibular disorder, researchers retrospectively analyzed data from adult patients seen in EDs in Ontario, Canada, between…