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Guidelines of the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SFORL) for teleconsultation in patients with vertigo during the COVID-19 pandemic

Bertholon P, Thai-Van H, Bouccara D, Esteve-Fraysse MJ, Wiener-Vacher SR, Ionescu E

European annals of otorhinolaryngology, head and neck diseases, 2021

10 citations

Abstract

Objectives: In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, patients may have been dissuaded from seeking consultation, thus exposing themselves to a risk of loss of chance. This guide aims to define how teleconsultation can assist in assessing vertiginous adults or children, and to gather the information needed to provide quick medical care.

Methods: These recommendations rely on the authors' experience as well as on literature. A survey on otoneurologic approach via telemedicine has been conducted based on a literature search until March 2020.

Results: The first clinical assessment of the vertiginous patient via teleconsultation can only be successful if the following conditions are met: initial contact to verify the feasibility of the assessment at a distance, the presence of a caregiver in order to assist the patient, the possibility of making video recordings. Medical history via telemedicine, as in a face-to-face assessment, allows to assess the characteristics, duration, frequency, and potential triggering factors of the vertigo, in both children and adults. During teleconsultation, the following tests can be carried out: oculomotricity evaluation, assessment of balance, simple neurological tests, checking for positional vertigo/nystagmus and, eventually to perform canalith-repositioning procedures. In children, the following should be searched for: history of hearing or visual impairment, a context of fever or trauma, otorrhea, signs of meningeal irritation.

Conclusion:…

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