The remote neuro-otology assessment - managing dizziness in the coronavirus disease 2019 era

J Laryngol Otol. 2020 Dec;134(12):1120-1122. doi: 10.1017/S0022215120002273. Epub 2020 Oct 21.

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 and other factors have driven interest in conducting remote consultations, but there has been little research on this topic in neuro-otology. With suitable preparation, neuro-otology patients with dizziness can have remote assessments that include elements of neuro-otological physical examination, with tailored management and onward pathways arranged.

Methods: This paper reports experience with remote consultation in over 700 neuro-otology patient consultations and suggests a systematic approach, illustrated by a clinical case report and data on 100 consultations.

Conclusion: Remote consultations can play a role in neuro-otology clinics. Further research is needed to establish patient acceptability, diagnostic accuracy, safety and efficiency of remote models of care for this patient group.

Keywords: Dizziness; Neuro-Otology; Remote Consultations; Telemedicine; Vertigo.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / diagnosis
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • COVID-19 / virology
  • Dizziness / diagnosis
  • Dizziness / etiology
  • Dizziness / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurotology / methods*
  • Neurotology / trends
  • Patient Care Management / methods
  • Patient Care Management / trends
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Remote Consultation / instrumentation*
  • Remote Consultation / methods
  • SARS-CoV-2 / genetics
  • Telemedicine / methods
  • Telemedicine / trends
  • Vestibular Function Tests / methods