Ataxia, head tilt, nystagmus. Vestibular diseases

Diseases affecting the vestibular system cause ataxia, characterized by head tilt, circling, falling, and rolling to the side of the lesion. Nystagmus occurs initially but may resolve. These clinical signs occur regardless of whether the lesion affects the peripheral or central portion of the vestibular system. Peripheral and central vestibular disorders are distinguished based on additional signs of brain stem involvement in the latter, as discussed in The Neurologic Examination and Lesion Localization on page 309. This distinction is critical in establishing both a differential diagnosis and prognosis in affected cats.