Differential Diagnosis Demystified: Dizziness, Tinnitus, and Hearing Loss Explained

In this episode of Talk Dizzy to Me, vestibular physical therapists Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS and Dr. Dani Tolman, PT are joined by Dr. Ben Shaw, a London-based consultant audiovestibular physician specializing in dizziness, vertigo, balance disorders, tinnitus, and hearing loss.

Dr. Shaw explains how he evaluates patients with vague, recurrent, or chronic dizziness and why understanding the timing, triggers, and associated symptoms is essential for reaching the correct diagnosis.

The conversation discusses various vestibular conditions, including Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraine, Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (3PD/PPPD), and Cerebellar Ataxia, Neuropathy, and Vestibular Areflexia Syndrome (CANVAS).

The episode also includes an in-depth discussion of tinnitus. Dr. Shaw explains why tinnitus is a symptom rather than a diagnosis and presents a holistic approach to tinnitus management.

Hosted by:

🎤 Dr. Abbie Ross, PT, NCS

🎤 Dr. Danielle Tolman, PT

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This episode is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts.

Time Stamps
00:15 Meet Dr. Ben Shaw

01:34 Audiovestibular medicine explained

02:53 Evaluating dizziness

06:12 The vestibular examination

07:59 When additional testing is needed

08:55 Central red flags

10:23 Vestibular migraine and PPPD

11:49 Vestibular neuritis

12:19 Ménière’s disease

13:44 Neuritis vs. labyrinthitis

16:04 Understanding tinnitus

18:27 Managing tinnitus

20:46 CBT, mindfulness, and habituation

22:39 Tinnitus red flags

23:07 Sudden hearing loss

24:28 Pulsatile and unilateral tinnitus

25:28 Complex dizziness cases

25:58 CANVAS syndrome

27:53 Vestibular migraine and anxiety case

29:21 Treating migraine before vestibular rehab

31:19 Advice for clinicians

34:41 What patients should know about vertigo

36:04 Vestibular suppressant medications

37:03 Preventing vestibular migraine

37:56 Connect with Dr. Ben Shaw

39:21 Closing thoughts