CDHB
A patient with vertigo is experiencing an hallucination of motion. In the acute situation it is whirling rotation of the environment. The cause is usually peripheral but can be central. There may be nausea and vomiting. There must be nystagmus. Magnification (Frenzel glasses or 20 diopter biconvex lenses) enhances observation and removes optic fixation. Any vertiginous patient without nystagmus in the sitting position must have a provocative positional test.
Topic Code: 3772