Acute Vestibular Syndrome.

The acute vestibular syndrome (AVS) is a label for presentations of new-onset severe dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, with examination findings of nystagmus or gait unsteadiness. The prototypical AVS presentation is the acute unilateral vestibulopathy due to vestibular neuritis. Stroke is also a serious concern in patients with AVS. Most other peripheral vestibular disorders present as episodic or chronic syndromes. In this article, the diagnostic considerations, exam findings, and management of AVS are reviewed.