Evaluation of emergency service physicians' approaches to vertigo and their use of the standing algorithm

Aims: The most important goal of the study was to investigate the initial approaches of physicians to patients and their level of knowledge about vertigo, which has a very high rate of emergency department visits; and to make accurate and rapid diagnosis by creating awareness about the use of the STANDING algorithm recommended in the new guidelines. Methods: An online survey was sent to physicians working in adult emergency departments in all provinces in Turkiye. The survey consisted of five sections and 34 questions. There were 4 questions containing demographic data, 8 questions asking about the general approach to the patient, 4 questions about concepts related to vertigo, 9 questions about general knowledge, and the last section included 9 questions asking about algorithms and other knowledge. Results: 171 physicians working in emergency departments of various hospitals in Turkiye participated in the survey with their own consent. The median age of the participants was calculated as 34. When asked about the age range of patients with vertigo, 43.3% stated that they were between 40-50, and 93.6% stated that female patients applied more. The most requested test was ECG with 79%. It was observed that 32.3% of physicians stated that they knew the STANDING algorithm and 19.2% stated that they used it. The rate of using the head impulse test (HIT) test in patients with vertigo was determined as 38.4%. While the current response rate of the physician’s experience with vertigo increased, no significant difference was found between the academic level and the correct response rate. Conclusion: Emergency physicians should receive more training in bedside physical examination techniques for patients with vertigo and should have more practice with STANDING algorithm.