Vertigo (Dizziness)
Introduction to vertigo
Vertigo is the most common type of dizziness (light-headedness or faintness or unsteadiness). It is the false sensation of motion, usually rotational motion, either oneself or surrounding.1 It occurs as a result of disturbance in the balance mechanism in the body or vestibular system. The vestibular system consists of structures of the inner ear, the vestibular nerve, brainstem, and cerebellum. These structures are responsible for integrating sensory stimuli and movement and for keeping objects in visual focus as the body moves.2
When head moves, an apparatus in the inner ear known as labyrinth transmits signals of movement to the vestibular nerve and the vestibular nerve carries the information to the brainstem and cerebellum, which is responsible for controlling balance, posture, and motor coordination.
Incidence and Prevalence of vertigo
Vertigo is one of the most common health problems in adults affecting approximately 20–30% of the general population. Prevalence of vertigo is slightly higher in women and it is almost three times more frequent in the elderly than in young people.3
Causes of vertigo
Causes of vertigo
Vertigo can be caused by disorders in inner ear (peripheral vestibular system) or vestibular nerve, brain stem and cerebellum (central vestibular system). Among the inner ear disorders, vertigo most commonly results from
Signs and Symptoms of vertigo
Signs and symptoms of vertigo
People with vertigo have an unusual and uncomfortable sense that they, their environment, or both are spinning around. The sensation of movement is called subjective vertigo and the perception of the movement in
Diagnosis of vertigo
Diagnosis of vertigo
It is important to diagnose the cause of vertigo as quickly as possible to rule out serious conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, hemorrhage or tumor. Diagnosis includes the
Treatment of vertigo
Treatment of vertigo
Treatment depends on identifying and eliminating the underlying cause, for example, if there is motion sickness, than the situations that might cause it should be avoided. In some cases a particular medication causes the condition,
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: December 27, 2008