Vertigo
Introduction Vertigo is an illusion of rotational, liner or tilting movement of self or environment. It could be produced by peripheral (inner ear) or central (brainstem-cerebellum) stimulation. The most common motion illusion is a spinning sensation. Nausea and vomiting are typical with acute vertigo, unless it is mild or very brief, as with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Vomiting can be severe, causing dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Postural stability can be affected in patients with vertigo. NOTE: It is important to distinguish vertigo from other potential causes of "dizziness". Evaluation The clinical features of the most common disorders are summarized in the table below. NOTE: The time course of symptoms provides one the best clues to the underlying pathophysiology of vertigo. Symptomatic Treatment Medications to suppress vestibular symptoms are best used for alleviating acute episodes of vertigo that last at least a few hours or days. These dr...