Osmosis video - Vertigo: Pathology review

Vertigo is defined as an illusion of movement that's either self-movement or movement of the surrounding environment. Vertigo is classified into peripheral and central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is caused by disorders like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, and an acoustic neuroma. Causes of central vertigo include posterior circulation stroke, brainstem or cerebellar tumors or lesions.

Diagnosis is made based on clinical presentation and the patient's history, but sometimes imaging studies are required to rule out central causes like a posterior circulation stroke. Treatment depends on the underlying causes and may include medications like antiemetics and benzodiazepines, or even surgery.