Central vertigo due to demyelinating disease - Central vertigo due to multiple sclerosis

Medium urgency
-Moderately severe

It is an unreal spinning sensation of one's own body or surrounding objects, in the context of a demyelinating disease affecting the brain. It occurs in up to 30% of patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and in up to 10% of cases, it may be the disease's debut symptom.  

In MS, the myelin, which is the layer of the neuron that allows communication between neurons by transmission of electrical impulses, gradually disappears.

The suspected diagnosis is made by questioning the symptoms and neurological examination, although the study needs to be completed with imaging tests and blood tests for confirmation.

So far, there is no known cure for MS, but there are treatments that can slow its progression. Some anti-vertiginous drugs help to combat symptoms and improve quality of life.

Bibliographic references
  1. Hauser SL. Goodin DS. Esclerosis Múltiple y otras enfermedades desmielinizantes. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 19º Edición: 2663-2664.
  2. Michael J Olek, DO. Ram N Narayan, MD. Elliot M Frohman, MD, PhD. Teresa C Frohman, PA-C. Clinical features of multiple sclerosis in adults. UpToDate. May 13, 2016.
  3. Michael J Olek, DO. Clinically isolated syndromes suggestive of multiple sclerosis. UpToDate. Feb 25, 2016.
  4. Helmchen C, Klinkenstein JC, Krüger A, et al. Structural brain changes following peripheral vestibulo-cochlear lesion may indicate multisensory compensation. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2011; 82:309.
  5. Dieterich M, Brandt T. Functional brain imaging of peripheral and central vestibular disorders. Brain 2008; 131:2538.
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Spinning sensation


    Involuntary, repeated eye movement


    Tingling in the hand


    Difficulty standing up due to unsteadiness


    Difficulty coordinating movements

Pre-hospital care recommendations

Consume antiemetics if vomits are present.