An Expert System for the Classification of Dizziness and Vertigo

Abstract

The syndromes characterized by symptoms of vertigo and/or dizziness represent a quite complex field whose physiopathogenetic aspects are not yet completely clear. They can involve the peripheral vestibular system, the vestibulocerebellar pathways, and the central nervous system (CNS). A knowledge based consultation system, or expert system (ES), could have useful applications in this field, both as clinical tool for differential diagnosis of vertiginous syndromes and as educational tool in the Schools of Medicine, in particular of Otoneurology. The construction of such an ES would be an opportunity to organize the available knowledge in a rational and clear framework, and through its use the effectiveness of the current diagnostic methods and procedures could be objectively tested. In particular, it seems worth testing how far one can go with differential diagnosis of vertigo when only information concerning patient history is considered. Nowadays, the importance of history taking is often underestimated and neglected in favour of more complicated and expensive instrumental tests. In contrast, our working hypothesis is that this phase of the diagnostic procedure makes available precious and unique information, provided it is conducted and exploited in expert way, and that, in many cases, a quite complete and reasonably definite diagnosis can be based on history taking.