Sudden Vertigo of Central Origin

Abstract

Intense vertiginous attacks with sudden onset and of several months' duration were observed in a group of patients following viral infection. Neurotological examination revealed different types of signs of involvement of the central vestibular apparatus. All of these patients became dizzier when medicated with vestibular depressor drugs, and could obtain symptomatic relief with corticosteroids. They became asymptomatic after a period of 3-4 months from the onset of the disease, but the signs of central vestibular involvement persisted for 6-12 months.

Key Words:

• acute labyrinthine disease
• viral encephalitis