Q&A With David Newman Toker, MD, From Johns Hopkins University Medical School: Diagnosing Dizziness and Vestibular Disorders in the Emergency Room

Many patients who come to the emergency department are seen and receive any number of diagnoses based on their symptoms and the length of time of their issues. How those symptoms are addressed can make a significant difference in their overall care.

David Newman-Toker, MD from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine discussed the diagnosis process during the American Academy of Neurology's annual meeting in Washington DC. Noting that dizziness is more common in women and the aging populations he said stroke is a key diagnosis in the older patients than younger, while it is a concern for both. Separating a "benign inner ear condition," or a "dangerous neurologic one," is the key role for emergency room physicians according to Newman-Toker.