Dizziness and vertigo
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Definition
Dizziness is the feeling of an impairment in spatial perception and stability.
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where the room spins round.
Epidemiology
About 5% of the population suffer with this, to some degree, most of the time.
Pathophysiology
Most dizziness is caused by inner ear problems, since the inner ear is the body's balancing sensory apparatus. This is commonly caused by seasickness, or other motion disturbances, or an infection.
Some can be caused by brain problems, and tend to be milder, but with more likelyhood of a serious cause.
Clinical and Associated Features
Differential Diagnosis
- Ear - benign positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, Meniere's disease,
- Neuro - CVA, MS, psychogenic
- Cardiac - arrhythmias, postural hypotension,
Investigations
- Standing and lying blood pressure. This is done by