Vertigo

Also known as giddiness.  

 

Definition

A condition in which the affected person loses the power of balancing him or herself, and has a false sensation as to their own movements or those of surrounding objects. 

The sense of balance depends upon sensations derived partly through touch, partly from the eyes, but mainly from the semicircular canals of the internal EAR – the vestibular mechanism. In general, vertigo is due to some interference with this vestibular ocular reflex mechanism or with the centres in the cerebellum and cerebrum (see BRAIN) with which it is connected. 

Giddiness is often associated with headache, nausea and vomiting.

Source: Black's Medical Dictionary (42nd ed, 2010, ISBN 978-1-4081-0419-4)

 

Subtypes

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo