Diagnostic Value of Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio in Distinguishing Peripheral and Central Vertigo in Patients with Dizziness

Objective: Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inexpensive parameter that gives an idea about systemic inflammatory response and cellular immune response. This study aims to investigate the value of NLR in distinguishing peripheral and central vertigo. Materials and Methods: Patients presenting with acute vertigo at the emergency clinic were included between January 2017 and December 2018. Hemogram, brain computerized tomography, and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging data were reviewed to categorize patients into peripheral and central vertigo groups. Laboratory parameters were compared between these groups. Results: Neutrophil, lymphocyte, and C-reactive protein levels were higher in patients with central vertigo than those with peripheral vertigo (p=0.003, p=0.003, p=0.022, respectively). Moreover, the NLR value was significantly elevated in central vertigo cases (median: 3.99) in contrast to peripheral vertigo cases (median: 2.32) (p <0.001). Conclusions: The NLR is a valuable marker for distinguishing peripheral and central vertigo in emergency department patients with dizziness. Higher NLR values suggest central vertigo.