Unreal sensation of spinning of our body or the objects around us.
It is called "central" when the triggering cause is a brain disorder: migraine, multiple sclerosis, vertigo of vascular origin or brain tumours.
It manifests itself with a spinning sensation that is often accompanied by a feeling of instability. Unlike other types of vertigo, it is not accompanied by hearing problems. Both its onset and its withdrawal are progressive.
Diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and a physical examination of the patient, as well as an exhaustive neurological examination. It is usually necessary to complete the study with imaging tests.
The triggering cause should be treated if known. It is advisable to remain in a lying position and at rest at the onset of symptoms. For medical treatment, antivertiginous drugs are used alone or in combination with benzodiazepines; nimodipine (a vasodilator) has also been shown to be effective.
- Joseph M Furman. Pathophysiology, etiology, and differential diagnosis of vertigo. UpToDate. Jun 03, 2015.
- Joseph M Furman, Jason JS Barton. Evaluation of the patient with vertigo. UpToDate. Jun 10, 2015.
- Joseph M Furman, Jason JS Barton. Treatment of vertigo. UpToDate. MMay 26, 2015.
- 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.
- Urbano-Márquez A. Estruch R. Neurología. Generalidades. Vértigos. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen 2. 12º edición: 1349-1352.
