Nystagmus Assessment for Patients Consulting in the Emergency Department for Acute Vertigo

Randomized Controlled Trial on Nystagmus Assessment for Patients Consulting for Acute Vertigo in the Emergency Department With/Without Frenzel Lens With/Without Form: A Pilot Study

This pilot study is perfomed to validate and document faisability of the use of Frenzel lens and the use of a diagnostic algorithm for the assessment of a special sign (nystagmus) observe in the eyes of patients consulting in the emergency department (ED) for an acute episode of vertigo/dizziness/imbalance.

This pilot study is a randomized controlled trial 2 by 2 design to allocated randomly the Frenzel lens and the diagnostic algorithm. There is no use of sham lens. The usual care opposed to the diagnostic algorithm will be questioned only on the perception of nystagmus by the clinician and the use of repositioning particles technique. The only blinding will be the patients about the use of the algorithm and the outcomes assessor about the use or not of Frenzel lens and the use or not of the diagnostic algorithm.

Inclusion Criteria:

• New episode of acute vertigo/dizziness/imbalance occuring during the 28 last days
• Must be able to consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• No traumatic context before symptoms onset
• No intoxication context
• Glycemia ≤ 3,0 mmol/L
• Only one participation is permitted
• Not able to speak adequately in French or English.
• Reachable for 3 month follow-up