-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
nervous system
vertigo/dizziness
diagnoses
definition and etiology
definition:
A disturbance in which the individual has a subjective impression of movement in space (subjective vertigo) or of objects moving around him/her (objective vertigo) usually with a loss of equilibrium.
etiology:
From a disturbance in the equilibratory apparatus: vestibule, semicircular canals, 8th cranial nerve, vestibular nuclei in the brainstem, and eyes. May be from effects of several disorders:
otogenic: Meniere's syndrome, myringitis, otitis media, acute vestibular neuronitis, herpes zoster oticus, labyrinthitis, petrositis, otosclerosis, obstructed eustachian tube
toxic: alcohol, streptomycin, opiates
psychogenic: hysteria
environmental: motion sickness
ocular: diplopia
circulatory: transient vestibular ischemic attack
neurologic: MS, skull fracture, temporal lobe seizures, encephalitis
neoplastic: tumors of the pons; cerebellopontine angle or 8th nerve
hematogenic: leukemia involving the labyrinth
signs and symptoms
signs and symptoms:
subjective complaint of vertigo
nystagmus
past pointing
inability to walk a straight line
deviation to one side when walking
nausea
course and prognosis
Depending on the etiology vertigo may be progressive and is very uncomfortable. The most disturbing secondary complication is often nausea and vomiting. Severe attacks of whirling vertigo may mark the onset of Meniere's disease.
differential diagnosis
faintness
lightheadedness
hypoglycemia
footnotes