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So once
pattern of vertigo (mis-perception of movement) has been distinguished from
other kinds of dizziness, there is still more figuring to do—-is
problem in
brain (central pattern) or in
inner ears and their connecting nerves (peripheral pattern)?
Luckily, central and peripheral vertigos can usually be distinguished from each other based on
clinical history and physical exam. The key is in looking for any symptom or physical abnormality that can't be blamed on
vestibular system.
How about nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, walking into walls, blurred vision or even jumping vision? A malfunctioning vestibular system could easily account for them all. But double vision, slurred speech, weakness or numbness on one side of
body? No way. These symptoms would have to be generated outside of
balance system, and imply that other pathways in
brainstem are damaged.
Where does
MRI scan fit in? The MRI is good at seeing areas of abnormal growth or damage within
brainstem, as from tumors, strokes or multiple sclerosis. It can also see tumors that arise from
nerves connecting
brainstem to
inner ears. But that's about all it can see that is at all related to
symptom of vertigo.
However, there are far more cases of peripheral vestibular disease than of central (brain-based) disease causing vertigo, so that's why most MRI scans turn out negative. In short,
MRI is normal, but
patient isn't.
So what can cause peripheral vestibular disease? The causes are varied, but are more usually annoying than life-threatening. The most explosive form of peripheral vestibular disease is vestibular neuronitis or "inner ear attack." The typical story for this condition is that
person awakes with violent spinning, nausea and inability to walk a straight line. This condition is at its worst on
first day, gradually improving over subsequent days and weeks.
Another peripheral vestibular condition is Meniere's disease in which recurrent bouts of vertigo occur in conjunction with deafness and "roaring" tinnitus, or ringing in
ear. This is due to high fluid pressure within
inner ear which is also wired for hearing.
Yet another peripheral vestibular disease involves a stone (otolith) rattling around within
canals of an inner ear. This variety can sometimes be fixed by "vestibular repositioning" in which
patient's head is put through a series of abrupt position-changes designed to make
otolith stick in one place.
Medications can also be useful in diminishing
symptom of vertigo. The most widely used drug is meclizine (brand name Antivert) which is related to
antihistamines and helps simmer down an overactive inner ear. A second drug used in
same way is scopolamine, usually delivered via a patch on
skin (Transderm Scop). Finally, diazepam (Valium) can also be used a "vestibular suppressant" though is usually
last choice owing to its possibility of becoming habit-forming.
And how about those other forms of dizziness that involve lightheadedness, wooziness or giddiness? As a baseball player might say, "That's a whole other ball game."

Gary Cordingley, MD, PhD, is a clinical neurologist, teacher and researcher. For more health-related articles, see his website at: http://www.cordingleyneurology.com