Introduction and objective:

During the long quarantines imposed in the world by the COVID-19 pandemic, the physicians have begun to use virtual consultation modality more frequently. Neuro-otology has not been an exception in this context and using the mechanism of video calls, we have been able to give attention and containment to a good number of patients during this period. For this reason and based on the unique experience of this period, we have designed a systematic examination, based on simple vestibular-spinal tests and presented in mnemonic form (alphabet). Based on our experience and a review of the literature, we try to demonstrate the vestibular etiology and topography of the findings.

Method:

Narrative Review. For bibliographic research we consulted different documents in metasearch engines and databases. Period analyzed from 2001 to 2019, in various scientific journals.

Results:

The examination was divided into four steps according to the first four letters of the alphabet: Ataxia (gradation), Bárány (deviation of the indices), Cephalic (Tilt or tilt of the head in relation to the trunk) and Deviation (oblique deviation of the eyes or Skew test).

Discussion:

The use of alphabet mnemonics is proposed to order the spinal vestibule examination in patients with involvement of the vestibular system. In a simple and practical way, allowing the virtual modality.

Conclusions:

This simple vestibular-spinal alphabet allows, associated with a thorough interrogation, to perform an effective vestibular examination by virtual means, effectively separate central lesions from peripheral lesions in acute vestibular lesions with high sensitivity and specificity and finally make a topodiagnosis of the vestibular lesion side.

        · resumo em Espanhol     · texto em Espanhol     · Espanhol ( pdf )