Chapter 5 : Pathology of the vestibular system Richard

Knowledge of the pathophysiology of vestibular disorders is essential for a logical accurate evaluation and management of the vertiginous patient. The diagnosis of vestibular system disease, particularly of peripheral disorders, depends primarily on a carefully obtained history with some assistance from tests of hearing function and vestibular sensitivity (caloric, positional tests). Radiological tests (computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) are helpful in the evaluation of neoplastic and inflammatory disorders which affect the labyrinth, eighth cranial nerve and central nervous system (posterior fossa). A reliable body of information necessary to derive an accurate diagnosis of such disease comes from the study of temporal bones from patients with vestibular disorders.