Vertigo
Vertigo
Vertigo may be defined as the false sensation that the body or environment is moving.
The table below lists the main characteristics of the most important causes of vertigo
| Disorder | Notes |
|---|---|
| Viral labyrinthitis | Recent viral infection , Sudden onset , Nausea and vomiting , Hearing may be affected |
| Vestibular neuronitis | Recent viral infection , Recurrent vertigo attacks lasting hours or days , No hearing loss |
| Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo | Gradual onset , Triggered by change in head position , Each episode lasts 10-20 seconds |
| Meniere's disease | Associated with hearing loss, tinnitus and sensation of fullness or pressure in one or both ears |
| Vertebrobasilar ischaemia | Elderly patient , Dizziness on extension of neck |
| Acoustic neuroma | Hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus , Absent corneal reflex is important sign , Associated with neurofibromatosis type 2 |
Other causes of vertigo include
- posterior circulation stroke
- trauma
- multiple sclerosis
- ototoxicity e.g. gentamicin