Distinguishing Peripheral from Central Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo without using HINTS or STANDING

Abstract

Three validated diagnostic algorithms for diagnosing patients with acute onset dizziness or vertigo (HINTS, HINTS-plus and STANDING) exist. All are extremely accurate in distinguishing peripheral from central causes of dizziness when done by experienced clinicians. However, uptake of these diagnostic tools in routine emergency medicine practice has been sub-optimal, in part, due to clinicians’ unease with the head impulse test, the most useful component contained of these algorithms. Use of these validated algorithms is the best way to accurately diagnose patients with acute dizziness. For clinicians who are unfamiliar with or uncomfortable performing or interpreting HINTS and STANDING, this article will suggest alternative approaches to help with accurate diagnosis of patients with acute dizziness or vertigo.