The patient reports of attacks that include a sensation of spinning as the main symptom. During the Vertigo attack the patient may feel that the head is spinning or the environment is moving. The duration of the event is few minutes to few hours. In severe cases it lasts more then one day. Between the attacks the patient is afraid of falling during the next episode.
Dizziness
The patient reports of attacks that includes a sensation of unsteadiness or imbalance or disorientation in space as the main symptom. During the Dizziness attack the patient does not feel that the head is spinning or the environment is moving. The duration of the event is few seconds to few minutes. Between the attacks the patient is afraid of falling during the next episode.
Causes of Vertigo or Dizziness and Diagnostic tests
The cause, in most cases, is unknown. A comprehensive Otto-neurological assessment should be conducted in order to rule out tumors, blood vessels abnormality or “canal paresis” in one or more of the semi-circular canals. Audiograms (Hearing test), Imaging (CT, MRI), ENG or Posturography (see: Glossary) may help.
Statistics
About 40 – 60% of the population under 60 years suffers from vertigo or dizziness from time to time. In older population it is more common.
Examples of treatments
The most common treatments are physiotherapy, H2-Blockers and psychotherapy.
The Metabolic Intervention is reserved for the severe cases.
