Symptoms:

The primary symptom is a sensation that you or the room is moving or spinning. With central vertigo, there are usually other symptoms associated with the condition that is causing the vertigo. Associated symptoms include the following:

• Double vision
• Difficulty swallowing
• Facial paralysis
• Slurred speech
• Weakness of the limbs

The spinning sensation may cause nausea and vomiting in some people.

Signs and tests:

A physical exam may reveal eye movement problems, lack of coordination and balance, weakness, or sensory loss. These signs may suggest a central cause.

Nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) and hearing loss may be present in both central and peripheral vertigo.

Tests to determine the cause of vertigo may include:

• Head CT
• MRI scan of head and MRA scan of blood vessels of the brain
• Caloric stimulation (tests eye reflexes)
• Electronystagmography
• EEG, evoked auditory potential studies
• Lumbar puncture
• Blood tests