Peripheral vertigo

Peripheral vertigo is an unrealistic perception of movement, usually described by patients as if they or the objects around them are spinning. It is associated with balance disorders and secondary to a disorder of the inner ear or auditory nerve. The most common causes include trauma, labyrinthitis, inflammation of the vestibular nerve, certain medicines, compression of the vestibular nerve, otitis media, benign positional vertigo, Ménière’s disease and Cogan's syndrome. The most characteristic symptom is a spinning sensation together with nausea and vomiting, which may be associated with dizziness, hearing loss, buzzing, frequent falls (loss of balance) and difficulty focusing the eyes. It is diagnosed from the medical history and physical examination (neurological and ear). It is treated with antivertigo and antiemetic drugs and patients are advised to rest. The underlying cause, if it has been identified, is treated.