Clinical Aspects of Vertigo and Dizziness: What Should the Radiologist Know?

Abstract

Dizziness and vertigo are common complaints in both emergency and outpatient settings, requiring careful evaluation to determine appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Differentiating between peripheral and central causes of dizziness is crucial for effective management. Peripheral causes, such as vestibular neuritis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, and Ménière's disease, are contrasted with central causes such as stroke, demyelinating diseases, and posterior fossa tumors. Diagnostic approaches include assessing nystagmus patterns, the vestibulo-ocular reflex, and the HINTS Plus test. Vestibular disorders are classified as acute, episodic, or chronic based on duration and symptom presentation. Imaging plays a significant role in identifying central causes when clinical findings are inconclusive. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the clinical evaluation and diagnostic methods for dizziness and vertigo, with emphasis on distinguishing peripheral from central etiologies.