Vertigo is the sensation that oneself or the surroundings are spinning or moving when they are not. It is caused by dysfunction of the vestibular system — either peripheral (inner ear or vestibular nerve) or central (brainstem or cerebellum). The commonest cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is instantly treatable with the Epley canalith repositioning manoeuvre. However, vertigo with neurological signs (imbalance, diplopia, dysarthria, facial numbness, hearing loss) may indicate a posterior fossa stroke or tumour. At Medanta Hospital, Sector-50, Noida, Neurology Team of Team Sushrut differentiates peripheral from central vertigo and manages each accordingly.
