[Therapy in neurology. Part 8: Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo]

Acute vertigo episodes in patients suffering from Menière's disease, vestibular neuropathy or ischaemic attacks in the vertebrobasilar system are reason for hospitalization of these patients, if possible in intensive care units. Improvement of microperfusion, administration of antivertigenous drugs and digitalization are most important. Usual clinical symptoms are spontaneous nystagmus and ataxia, seen only if the patient is able to be out of bed. Cranial computed tomography, x-ray examinations of the skull and an internal check-up are basis for differential diagnosis and treatment is necessary. In order to exclude an extracranial stenosis an ultrasonic examination of the orbital vessels is necessary. In case of psychogenesis therapy must be performed by a psychiatrist.