Vestibular paroxysmia

Definition

Vestibular paroxysmia (VP) is characterised by recurrent spells of vertigo or dizziness, lasting seconds to minutes, often many times a day. Attacks usually occur spontaneously but may occasionally be induced by changes of head position (which then needs to be distinguished from benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo). Possible accompanying symptoms are short attacks of tinnitus or changes in hearing. In the attack-free interval mild to moderate impairments of vestibular or audiological function may be found. Neurovascular cross-compression of the eighth nerve is the assumed mechanism.

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