DATABASE FOR VERTIGO

An interactive database has been developed to assist the diagnostic pr ocedure for vertigo and to store the data, The database offers a possi bility to split and reunite the collected information when needed. It contains detailed information about a patient's history, symptoms, and findings in otoneurologic, audiologic, and imaging tests. The symptom s are classified into sets of questions on vertigo (including postural instability), hearing loss and tinnitus, and provoking factors, Confo unding disorders are screened, The otoneurologic tests involve saccade s, smooth pursuit, posturography, and a caloric test, In addition, fin dings from specific antibody tests, clinical neurotologic tests, magne tic resonance imaging, brain stem audiometry, and electrocochleography are included, The input information can be applied to workups for ver tigo in an expert system called ONE, The database assists its user in that the input of information is easy, It not only can be used for dia gnostic purposes but is also beneficial for research, and in combinati on with the expert system, it provides a tutorial guide for medical st udents.