Otoneurology Curriculum for Medical Students

Adapted from: Scherokman B, Cannard K, Miller JQ, AAN Undergrad education Committee. What should a graduating medical student know about Neurology ? Neurology 1994: 44: 1170-1176. Local links are given when available.

Maintained by Timothy C. Hain, MD,Chicago IL, USA.

A. Assess dizziness

1. Define vertigo and contrast it with other symptoms patients call dizziness (i.e. lightheadedness, presyncope, cognitive symptoms, ataxia).
2. List common causes of disequilibrium (imbalance without vertigo)
3. Describe the following vestibular examination findings
   1. Nystagmus
   2. Describe the bedside technique for the hanging head test (Hallpike Maneuver)
   3. Calorics: describe and differentiate the effect of placing cold water in the ear of an awake patient versus a comatose patient.
4. Identify the clinical features used to distinguish among the following:
   1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
   2. Vestibular neuritis
   3. Menieres disease
   4. Brainstem TIA with vertigo
   5. Acoustic Neuroma

B. Assess auditory symptoms

1. Define tinnitus
2. Discuss findings on Rinne and Weber testing for conductive versus sensorineural hearing loss.