ToolsCalculators
Sudbury Vertigo Risk Score
Risk-stratifies ED patients with vertigo for a serious central cause.
Sudbury Vertigo Risk Score
Male sex
Age > 65 years
Diabetes
Hypertension
Motor or sensory deficit
Cerebellar signs (diplopia, dysarthria, dysphagia, dysmetria, ataxia)
BPPV diagnosed (e.g., positive Dix-Hallpike)
Result0 points
Low risk of a serious cause (stroke, TIA, dissection, tumour): ~0%.
- Serious diagnosis risk
- ~0%
When to use
- Risk-stratifying adults presenting to the ED with vertigo for a serious central diagnosis.
Formula
Points: male 1, age >65 1, diabetes 1, hypertension 3, motor/sensory deficit 5, cerebellar signs 6, BPPV diagnosis -5. A total <5 corresponds to ~0% risk of a serious cause.
Pearls and pitfalls
- A score <5 had 100% sensitivity for a serious cause in the validation cohort.
- A confirmed BPPV diagnosis subtracts 5 points, reflecting its benign nature.