Vertigo-associated disorders: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Vertigo is a sensation of motion or spinning that is often described as
.
Vertigo is not the same as being lightheaded. People with vertigo feel as though they are actually spinning or moving, or that the world is spinning around them.
There are two types of vertigo, peripheral and central vertigo.
Peripheral vertigo is due to a problem in the part of the inner ear that controls balance. These areas are called the vestibular labyrinth, or semicircular canals. The problem may also involve the vestibular nerve. This is the nerve between the inner ear and the brain stem.
Peripheral vertigo may be caused by:
(benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, also known as BPPV)
Certain medicines, such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, cisplatin, diuretics, or salicylates, which are toxic to the inner ear structures
Injury (such as head injury)
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve (neuronitis)
Irritation and swelling of the inner ear (
)
Pressure on the vestibular nerve, usually from a noncancerous
such as a meningioma or schwannoma
Central vertigo is due to a problem in the brain, usually in the brain stem or the back part of the brain (cerebellum).
Central vertigo may be caused by:
Blood vessel disease
Certain medicines, such as anticonvulsants, aspirin, and alcohol
(rarely)
Tumors (cancerous or noncancerous)
Vestibular migraine, a type of
headache
The main symptom is a sensation that you or the room is moving or spinning. The spinning sensation may cause nausea and vomiting.
Depending on the cause, other symptoms can include:
Problem focusing the eyes
Dizziness
Hearing loss in one or both ears
Loss of balance (may cause falls)
(tinnitus)
Nausea and vomiting, leading to loss of body fluids
If you have vertigo due to problems in the brain (central vertigo), you may have other symptoms, including:
Double vision
Eye movement problems
of the limbs
An exam by your health care provider may show:
Problems walking due to loss of balance
Eye movement problems or involuntary eye movements (
)
Hearing loss
Lack of coordination and balance
Weakness
Tests that may be done include:
Blood tests
Brainstem auditory evoked potential studies
(EEG)
scan of head
scan of blood vessels of the brain
Walking (gait) testing
Your provider may perform certain head movements on you, such as the head-thrust test. These tests help tell the difference between central and peripheral vertigo.
The cause of any brain disorder causing vertigo should be identified and treated when possible.
To help resolve symptoms of benign positional vertigo, your provider may perform the
on you. This involves placing your head in different positions to help reset the balance organ.
You may be prescribed medicines to treat symptoms of peripheral vertigo, such as nausea and vomiting.
Physical therapy may help improve balance problems. You'll be taught exercises to restore your sense of balance. Exercises can also strengthen your muscles to help
.
To prevent worsening of
symptoms during an episode of vertigo
, try the following:
Keep still. Sit or lie down when symptoms occur.
Gradually resume activity.
Avoid sudden position changes.
Do not try to read when symptoms occur.
Avoid bright lights.
You may need help walking when symptoms occur. Avoid hazardous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, and climbing until 1 week after symptoms have disappeared.
Other treatment depends on the cause of the vertigo. Surgery may be suggested in some cases.
Vertigo can interfere with driving, work, and lifestyle. It can also cause falls, which can lead to many injuries, including hip
and head trauma, among others.
Contact your provider if you have vertigo that does not go away or interferes with your daily activities. If you have never had vertigo or if you have vertigo with other symptoms (such as double vision, slurred speech, or loss of coordination), call 911 or the local emergency number.
Peripheral vertigo; Central vertigo; Dizziness; Benign positional vertigo; Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
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Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.