Vertigo (; from the
Latin "a whirling or spinning movement") is a type of
dizziness, where there is a feeling of motion when one is stationary.
Peripheral
Vertigo caused by problems with the
inner ear or
vestibular system is called "peripheral", "otologic" or "vestibular". The most common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (
BPPV) but other causes include
Ménière's disease,
superior canal dehiscence syndrome,
labyrinthitis and visual vertigo. Any cause of inflammation such as
common cold,
influenza, and bacterial infections may cause transient vertigo if they involve the inner ear, as may chemical insults (e.g.,
aminoglycosides) or physical trauma (e.g., skull fractures).
Motion sickness is sometimes classified as a cause of peripheral vertigo.
Central
If vertigo arises from the balance centers of the brain, it is usually milder, and has accompanying neurologic deficits, such as slurred speech,
double vision or
pathologic nystagmus. Brain pathology can cause a sensation of
disequilibrium which is an off-balance sensation.
A number of conditions that involve the central nervous system may lead to vertigo including: migraine headaches, lateral medullary syndrome, multiple sclerosis.
Signs and symptoms
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning while stationary. It is commonly associated with
vomiting or
nausea,
unsteadiness, and excessive
perspiration. Recurrent episodes in those with vertigo is common and they frequently impair the
quality of life.
. Tests of
vestibular system (balance) function include
electronystagmography (ENG), rotation tests,
caloric reflex test, and
computerized dynamic posturography (CDP).
Tests of auditory system (hearing) function include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, acoustic-reflex, electrocochleography (ECoG), otoacoustic emissions (OAE), and auditory brainstem response test (ABR; also known as BER, BSER, or BAER).
Other diagnostic tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT).
Treatment
Definitive treatment depends on the underlying cause of the vertigo.
benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is treated with the Epley maneuver (performed by a doctor or physical therapist, or with a BPPV maneuver at home). See its Treatment descriptions.
anticholinergics
antihistamines
Epidemiology
About 5% of the population has vertigo at some point during the year and 7.4% are affected at some point in their lives. It accounts for about 2-3 % of emergency department visits.
[ It occurs about two to three times more frequently in women than in men and in the elderly as opposed to younger people.][
]
References
Category:Symptoms and signs: Cognition, perception, emotional state and behaviour
Category:Neurology
Category:Diseases of inner ear
