Vertigo is a balance disorder. The sufferer experiences an illusion of rotational movement and has the sensation that his or her body or surroundings are moving.
Symptoms of vertigo
Vertigo may be accompanied by dizziness, nausea and vomiting in some cases. The terms vertigo and dizziness are confusing. Although dizziness may also be accompanied by the above symptoms, it does not usually present a sensation of rotation, but rather an instability of movement, especially when walking.
Causes of vertigo
Vertigo can appear at any age and the cause lies in an alteration of the balance organ, a direct or indirect affectation of the vestibular system, located in the inner ear. Vertigo is classified into two types: central and peripheral. Central vertigo accompanies diseases of the central nervous system. Generally, it presents with a low but continuous degree of intensity and does not usually have hearing problems attached to it. Peripheral vertigo, on the other hand, is related to problems of the vestibular system itself and usually presents hearing problems, nausea and vomiting. Its degree of intensity is high, sometimes violent and evolves in the form of crises.
How is vertigo diagnosed?
The diagnosis of this disorder requires a good clinical history, a thorough physical examination and an audiological examination. Radiological examinations (CT, MRI) as well as specific examinations of the organ of balance may also be necessary. The most innovative test in this field is the Videocomputerized Cephalic Impulse Test which allows the recording of the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
Vertigo treatment
In order to treat it, it is essential to identify the degree of vertigo suffered: acute episodes, recurrent vertigo or chronic vertigo. If it is an episode of acute vertigo, the treatment is based on vestibular sedatives, always under the doctor’s control. The otorhinolaryngology expert, based on the results of the pertinent examinations, will affirm the definitive diagnosis and the best treatment according to the characteristics presented by the patient, in some cases even opting for surgical treatment.