Vertigo may be defined as the false sensation that the body or environment is moving.
The table below lists the main characteristics of the most important causes of vertigo
| Disorder | Notes |
|---|---|
| Viral labyrinthitis | Recent viral infection |
| Sudden onset | |
| Nausea and vomiting | |
| Hearing may be affected | |
| Vestibular neuronitis | Recent viral infection |
| Recurrent vertigo attacks lasting hours or days | |
| No hearing loss | |
| Rx - short course of prochlorperazine | |
| Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo | Gradual onset |
| Triggered by change in head position | |
| Each episode lasts 10-20 seconds | |
| Meniere's disease | Associated with hearing loss, tinnitus and sensation of fullness or pressure in one or both ears |
| Vertebrobasilar ischaemia | Elderly patient |
| Dizziness on extension of neck | |
| Acoustic neuroma | Hearing loss, vertigo, tinnitus |
| Absent corneal reflex is important sign | |
| Associated with neurofibromatosis type 2 |
Other causes of vertigo include
Dix Hallpike and Epley Maneuver