Central and Peripheral Dizziness: What You Need to Know

This is an automatically translated article.

This article is expertly consulted by Master, Doctor Bui Ngoc Phuong Hoa - General Internal Medicine - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
We all must have felt dizzy at one time or another. Dizziness is divided into two types: central vertigo and peripheral vertigo. Each type will have its own causes and characteristics. The following article will provide some basic knowledge about vertigo symptoms.

1. What is vertigo?

Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness, everything around is spinning, accompanied by a feeling of being out of balance. This is the phenomenon of perception of motion when there is no movement. Dizziness can be a syndrome, symptoms related to certain diseases.
Dizziness is usually not serious and if the cause is properly identified, it can be cured.
There are two types of vertigo classified by cause: central vertigo and peripheral vertigo.

2. Central vertigo

2.1 What is central vertigo?

Central vertigo is a type of vertigo caused by problems with the brain. The cerebellum is the part of the brain most affected.
Central vertigo rarely causes hearing loss, if it does, it is possible that the VIII nerve has been damaged.

2.2 Signs of central vertigo

Features that may indicate central vertigo include:
Mild to moderate intensity of dizziness The onset is usually gradual, insidious Persistent dizziness Usually no sensation of nausea No change in hearing No symptoms of fatigue May be focal neurological signs Vertical nystagmus or indefinable Central vertigo that usually lasts weeks, months or more.

2.3 Causes of central vertigo

Ischemic brain ischemia Central nervous system demyelinated Cerebellar tumor, cerebellar hemorrhage, cerebellar degeneration,... Brainstem damaged Posterior fossa (brain tumor, cerebrovascular accident) Epilepsy case VIII Neuroma Inheritance (spondylosis)

3. Peripheral dizziness

3.1 What is peripheral vertigo?

Peripheral vertigo is the most common type of vertigo, often accompanied by tinnitus or hearing loss (or deafness).
Disturbance in the ear to regulate body balance is the main cause of peripheral vertigo. To maintain balance, when you move your head, the inside of your ear tells you where your head is and sends signals to your brain.

3.2 Signs of peripheral vertigo

Features suggestive of peripheral vertigo include:
Dizziness intensity often severe to very severe Often sudden onset Dizziness often occurs in episodes of feeling nauseous, vomiting When moving, dizziness of the body you will get heavier Hearing may be affected Focal neurological signs will not be present You will feel fatigued Vertigo or torsion nystagmus

3.3 Causes of peripheral vertigo

Peripheral Vestigo Face due to endolymphatic edema (Meniere's syndrome) Caused by other peripheral diseases such as inner ear infections, hair cell degeneration, abnormal labyrinthine abnormalities, neuritis VIII, cerebral ischemia local... Neck area hurt

4. How to treat dizziness?

To treat peripheral and central vertigo, there are 4 main treatment methods as follows:
Using physical therapy: vestibular exercises (Epley's test,..), ejection procedures likes jelly. Use of drugs: antiemetics, drugs to treat dizziness, drugs to increase circulation in the inner ear), sedatives. Surgery: Patients with treatment-resistant Meniere's disease, damaged hearing, performed surgery on tumors (Number VIII) affecting the vestibular system. Using psychotherapy Once the specific cause is identified, the dizziness can be completely cured. If the cause of the vertigo is paroxysmal paroxysmal (vestibular) vertigo, the dizziness may recur over and over again.
Dizziness, although not life-threatening, has a significant impact on quality of life and daily activities. Therefore, when you see signs of dizziness, especially prolonged dizziness, you need to consult a doctor for appropriate treatment. To support treatment, patients need to have a healthy lifestyle, regularly exercise, and avoid stress to reduce the frequency of recurrence.
Vinmec International General Hospital is a prestigious hospital for many years in the examination, diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases. Patients with signs of prolonged dizziness should choose Vinmec for definitive examination and treatment. Here, there is a team of leading specialists who are always dedicated to the health of the patient, a system of modern equipment to help successfully implement the most advanced medical techniques.
Master. Doctor Bui Ngoc Phuong Hoa has more than 24 years of experience in the field of neuropsychology. Doctor Hoa was formerly Deputy Head of the Department of Neurology - Quang Ngai Provincial General Hospital and participated in many continuous training courses on Epilepsy, Cerebrovascular Accident, Alzheimer's, Movement Disorders, Geriatrics. Endocrine Pathology.

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