Abstract
Introduction Vestibular disorders (VDs) are highly prevalent in primary care. Although in general
they comprise conditions that are not life-threatening, they are associated with significant
functional and physical disability. However, the current coronavirus disease 2019
(COVID-19) pandemic has imposed limitations on the standard treatment of benign conditions,
including VDs. In this context, other resources may aid in the diagnosis and management
of patients with VDs. It is well known that teleconsultation and teletreatment are
both safe and effective alternatives to manage a variety of conditions, and we maintain
that VDs should be among these.
Objective To develop a preliminary model of clinical guidelines for the evaluation by teleconsultation
of patients with suspected diagnosis of vestibular hypofunction during the COVID-19
pandemic and beyond.
Methods A bibliographic review of the diagnostic feasibility in VDs by teleconsultation was
carried out in the LILACS, SciELO, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases; books and specialized
websites were also consulted. The legal, regulatory, and technical issues involving
digital consultations were reviewed.
Results We found 6 field studies published between 1990 and 2020 in which the efficiency
of teleconsultations was observed in the contexts of epidemics and environmental disorders
and disadvantageous geographical conditions. After reviewing them, we proposed a strategy
to examine and address vestibular complaints related to vestibular hypofunction.
Conclusion The creation of a digital vestibular management algorithm for the identification,
counseling, initial intervention, monitoring and targeting of people with possible
vestibular hypofunction seems to be feasible, and it will provide a reasonable alternative
to in-person evaluations during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Keywords COVID-19 - telemedicine - dizziness - therapeutics
