Case 13 Question 1

[Tamika Hawkins]

What information in the question could have helped me choose between unilateral and bilateral hypofunction?

Here is the question: A 45-year-old male is referred to outpatient physical therapy with a diagnosis of dizziness. The patient describes his dizziness as a general feeling of imbalance that is especially noticeable when he turns quickly, although he feels off balance with all mobility. He reports an episode of bacterial meningitis requiring a 10-day hospitalization for medical management three months ago that coincided with the onset of his symptoms.

Based on the information provided, which diagnosis is most likely?

[Chrissy Durrough Lugge]

The key here is that the onset of his symptoms coincided with a severe bacterial infection. Some antibiotics are ototoxic and cause irreversible bilateral vestibular loss.

[Author]

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