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Vertigo |
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Vertigo is a form of dizziness often associated with balance disorder
By simple definition, vertigo is either the sensation of motion where there is no motion or an exaggerated sense of motion in response to a given bodily movement (Bertholon et al. 2002b). Although often reported simply as dizziness, vertigo can present itself in a variety of forms, including spinning, a sense of tumbling or falling forward or backward, or of the ground rolling beneath one's feet. At times, it may also be difficult to focus visually. Many patients find it uncomfortable to even keep their eyes open during the spells. Heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, and vomiting are also common factors accompanying the event (Kentala et al. 2000).
Far from a rare occurrence, vertigo in its varied forms affects millions of patients every year. While no age bracket is exempt from vertigo, research has shown that it is most commonly associated with persons over 50 years old (Uno et al. 2001). Further studies have indicated that the incidence of vertigo increases proportionally with age, accounting for upward of 61% of all cases of dizziness by age 65 (Oghalai et al. 2000). Of these cases, one of the most frequently cited syndromes is benign paroxysmal positioning vertigo.
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