History

HPI

Symptom characterization

Timing and triggers pattern

Syndrome framing

Alarm Features

Immediate escalation triggers

High risk features

Dangerous mimics

Alternate life threats

Medications

Exposure and iatrogenic causes

Medication contributors

Contraindications and interaction traps

Safety checks before therapy

Diet

Intake and exposures

Nutrition and fluid status

Review of Systems

Neurologic and otologic

Key symptom screen

Infectious and inflammatory

Infection clues

Collateral History and Family History

Sources and reliability

Collateral inputs

Hereditary risk

Family history

Risk Factors

Cerebrovascular risk

Stroke and TIA risk

Otologic and mechanical risk

Peripheral vestibular risks

Differential Diagnosis

Life threatening

Cannot miss diagnoses

Common

High frequency causes

Less common and zebras

Lower frequency causes

Past Medical History

Prior diagnoses and baseline

Relevant conditions

Surgeries and devices

Procedural history

Physical Exam

Initial assessment

General and vitals

Eye and neurologic

Neuro otologic exam

Cardiovascular and ENT

System exams

Lab Studies

Core tests when indicated

Screening and targeted labs

Interpretation pitfalls

Limitations

Imaging

Scoring Systems

Risk tools when applicable

MRI

MRI brain with DWI

CT

CT pathways

Ultrasound

Ultrasound adjuncts

Special Tests

Bedside vestibular maneuvers

Positional testing

Acute vestibular syndrome bedside eye exam

HINTS exam in acute vestibular syndrome with spontaneous nystagmus

Orthostatic and cardiopulmonary testing

System contributors

ECG

Rhythm and ischemia screen

ECG indications

High risk patterns

Assessment

Problem representation

Classification

Central versus peripheral likelihood

Risk stratification synthesis

Plan

First 5 minutes critical patient workflow

Stabilization priorities

Diagnostic sequencing

Testing logic

Symptom control and targeted therapy

Medications and maneuvers

Reassessment loop

Iterative checks

Disposition

Level of care criteria

ICU or high acuity

Admission and observation

Inpatient or observation indications

Discharge criteria

Safe discharge requirements

Discharge Instructions

Copy discharge instructions

Diagnosis and expectations

Medications

Activity and safety

Follow up

Return to ED immediately for

References

Guidelines and key evidence

Core sources

SymptomDx is an educational tool for medical professionals. It does not replace clinical judgment. Verify all clinical data and drug dosages with authoritative sources.