Description
The sensation of the room spinning or the person spinning. The symptoms of vertigo typically get worse with head movement, and decrease with the eyes closed. Nausea and vomiting are frequently associated with vertigo. There are many causes of vertigo with the most common being: labyrinthitis, vestibular neuronitis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, motion sickness syndrome and Meniere's disease. Rarer causes include: vestibular migraines, inner ear trauma, perilymphatic fistula, medication damage to inner ear (ototoxicity), acoustic neuromas and other cerebellopontine angle tumors, vertebral basilar insufficiency, and multiple sclerosis.
Symptoms
Room spinning, spinning sensation of the person, nausea, vomiting, incoordination, symptoms get worse with head movement, symptoms decrease with eyes close.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests will be done to establish the diagnosis.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Head MRA, caloric stimulation (tests eye reflexes), electronystagmograph, EEG, evoked auditory potential studies
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Additional tests will be done to establish the diagnosis.
Tests:
CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Other Specific Tests: Head MRA, caloric stimulation (tests eye reflexes), electronystagmograph, EEG, evoked auditory potential studies
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Neurology, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric ENT (Otolaryngology)
Treatment
The Epley maneuver performed by a clinician may be able to relieve the symptoms. Also there are exercises that can be done at home. Medications may include: antihistamines, anticholinergics, and sedatives.