What is Vertigo ?

Vertigo is a sensation of motion in the body or head when no motion is actually present -- it is as though the room is moving or you are.  The patient's  field of vision may swirl, jump, move from side to side or up and down. Vertigo is not simply a light-headed feeling or dizziness.  

One variety of vertigo --benign paroxysmal posititional vertigo -- is  associated with sudden changes in the position of the head. It may be very disconcerting, particularly at the onset of symptoms, but most doctors regard it as harmless. It is believed that this relatively mild disorder  is caused by a build-up of calcium particles in parts of  the inner ear that affect balance.  The condition can come and go for no apparent reason, over days or weeks.  Some patients have success in reducing the effects of this problem by means of exercises alone. [Reference]

Vertigo is a symptom of an underlying disorder -- not a disorder in and of itself.  As such, careful diagnosis and workup are required to determine what causes may lay beneath the symptom of vertigo.  Some causes of vertigo may be quite serious. Vertigo may be one of several symptoms of disorders which include:

Abnormalities of the inner ear, including bacterial infection or herpes zoster. 

Skull fracture with injury to the inner labyrinth of the ear.

Meniere's Disease (accompanied by hearing loss, roaring tinnitis, and a feeling of sharp pressure and pain in the ear),

Vestibular Neuritis (accompanied by nausea, vomiting), associated with a viral inflammation of the balance nerve,

Some forms or stages of siezure disorder or light stroke (transient ischemic attack, or TIA). Headaches, a feeling of tingling in an arm or leg, loss of muscle control or slurred speech may also occur in such cases.

Certain brain tumors, paricularly one that compresses the vestibular nerve (eighth cranial nerve).

Multiple Sclerosis (usually associated with other symptoms).
 

How is Vertigo Diagnosed?

A physician will interview you closely in person, to look for any external factors which seem to be coincident with your vertigo, and to identify other symptoms which may suggest a particular underlying cause.  The doctor may request MRI or other imagery to investigate symptoms. 

How is Vertigo Treated?

Vertigo is generally treated as part of a larger program of therapy to address the underlying disorder.  Medication may reduce the disabling effects of this  symptom in some cases.  The neurosurgical team at WPAHS has also determined that many of the underlying causes of vertigo are a result of  blood vessels  compressing  the eighth cranial (vestibular) nerve, near the base of the brain.   Neurosurgery offers significant promise of relief to many people who suffer from such compressions.

Where Can I Find a Healthcare Professional Who Treats Vertigo ?

The West Penn Allegheny Health System is proud to host one of the finest treatment centers in the world, for vestibular and other disorders that frequently cause vertigo.  The Cranial Nerve Center is a multidisciplinary clinic that evaluates and treats such patients. The Center includes doctors and specialized support staff  from Neurosurgery, Neurology, Otoneurology, Otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat care)  and  Neuroradiology, in a collaborative team that has few equals in the world. 

The Treatment Team at WPAHS
Peter Jannetta, M.D., Professor of Neurosurgery, Allegheny General Hospital. Jon Brillman, M.D.  Director, Division of Neurology,  Professor of Neurology, Medical College of Pennsylvania  and Hahnemann University
  • Medical Career and Accomplishments
  • Treatment Interests:
  • Publications (Abstracts) [Note: J Brillman and JC Brillman are not the same person]
  • To contact Dr. Brillman
    • Moises A. Arriaga, M.D.,   Adjunct Associate Professor of Surgery   (Otolaryngology and Neurosurgery), MCP Hahnemann University
  • Medical Career and Accomplishments
  • Treatment Interests: Neurotology/otology; facial nerve disorders; balance disorders; hearing loss; skull base tumors; Meniere's Disease, Vertigo & Tintinitis
  • Publications (Abstracts from Pub Med) 
  • To contact Dr. Arriaga
    • D. Kyle Kim, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery,  MCP Hahnemann University
  • Medical Career and Accomplishments
  • Treatment Interests:
  • Publications (Vitae)
  • To contact Dr. Kim
    • Patient Support Groups and Bulletin Boards
    On-Line Support Groups for Vestibular Disorders, provided by The Vestibular Disorders Association.
    Additional Information on the Internet
    See our resources for Tinitis and Meniere's Disease
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    DISCLAIMER:
    Every effort has been made by the author(s) to provide accurate, up-to-date information. However, the medical knowledge base is dynamic and errors can occur. By using the information contained herein, the viewer willingly assumes all risks in connection with such use.  Neither the author nor WPAHS shall be held  responsible for errors, omissions in information herein nor liable for any special, consequential, or exemplary damages resulting, in whole or in part, from any  viewer(s)' use of or reliance upon, this material. 
     
    CLINICAL DISCLAIMER:
    Clinical information is provided for educational purposes and not as a medical or professional service. Person(s) who are not medical professionals should have clinical information reviewed and interpreted or applied only by the appropriate health professional(s). 
    Site Index
    Frequently Asked Questions on Healthcare
    Face Pain Overview  * Trigeminal Neuralgia *  Hemifacial Spasm  * Meniere's Disease  * Vertigo * Tinitis * Hypertension * Torticalis and Spasmodic Torticalis

    For questions or comments, please contact:
    aghneuro@wpahs.org * Department of Neurosurgery *
    Allegheny General Hospital * 320 East North Ave. *
    Pittsburgh, PA 15212 * (412) 359-6200 * 
    Toll Free: 877-284-2000

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    Last Updated: September 30, 2000
    Site Content Developed By; Richard A. "Red" Lawhern, Ph.D.
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