Dizziness and vertigo are two symptoms that can be really serious expression of benign processes or pictures. Both are incapacitating and a common cause of going to the neurologist. We included them in the neuro-otologic pathology.
One of the most common causes of dizziness is vertigo. The term vertigo involves illusion of motion and almost always refers to a disruption of the central or peripheral vestibular pathways. Usually this feeling is rotational in the horizontal plane (like a merry-go), however in some patients may be displacement or rotation in the vertical plane.
There are many causes of vertigo and neurologist distinguish which are due to diseases of the brain, which we call plants, those that are ear problems and pathways that carry information to the brain, which we call peripheral. Among the plants there are serious conditions, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis. Other neurological diseases may also have vertigo as migraines, without being serious are very important because they undermine much the quality of life of patients and also have very effective treatments.
In the case of a suspected stroke urgent assessment by a neurologist it is essential. If detected early we can put substances that dissolve the thrombus and improve the patient. Within sometimes called peripheral they are due to viruses affecting other ear otoliths shift, some stones we have in the ear by moving the head indicate that we’re falling. The latter known as vertigo BPPV maneuvers improvement that can be made in consultation. Contrary to popular belief most people cervical problems rarely cause lightheadedness. Nor should it be «pinched» the vessels that carry blood to the brain by the cervical osteoarthritis.
In summary, patients with vertigo need a detailed evaluation and maneuvers and now have effective treatments for most patients.
