Your patient is a 24-year-old male who is alert and oriented, complaining of severe "dizziness" and an earache for two days. He states that any movement of his head causes him to become very dizzy and nauseated. The patient's skin is warm and dry, his pupils are equal and reactive, and there is no gross neurological deficit. HR = 82, BP = 120/82, RR = 12, SaO₂ = 99%. Which of the following is most likely? A) Subdural hematoma B) Transient cerebral attack C) Hypersensitivity of the carotid sinus D) Labyrinthitis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms of severe dizziness and earache with any movement of the head are consistent with a diagnosis of labyrinthitis, an inflammation of the inner ear. The lack of gross neurological deficit and normal vital signs also support this diagnosis over other options such as a subdural hematoma or transient cerebral attack. Hypersensitivity of the carotid sinus is less likely to cause these symptoms.

Your Patient Is a 24-Year-Old Male Who Is Alert and Oriented