Chapter 13, Problem 4CCS

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

In the given case, the patient Brian Rhen was found holding his head on the side of the road at the bus crash site. A severe headache and nausea were reported by him. After several days, he reported vertigo, and therefore, was referred to a neurologist. He was diagnosed with BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). One of the causes of this is the dislodgment of the otoliths from the otolithic membrane. In this case, Mr. Brian experienced vertigo when he rolled over in bed, while sitting up, or while turning head from side to side.

Characters in the case:

Brian Rhen.

Adequate information:

Certain positions, such as rolling, sitting up, or moving head side to side, provoke vertigo in Mr. Brian.

To determine:

Based on the triggering positions of vertigo, the part of the vestibular apparatus that may be affected by the displaced otoliths.