Review article

Electrophysiological methods in the diagnostics of vertigo

Ivan Mikula

Abstract

The role of neurophysiologic tests in the diagnostics of vertigo primarily consists of assessing the functional status of the sensory systems responsible for the concept of space. They also have a limited application in assessing the functional status of structures responsible for the integration of this information. The data obtained by neurophysiological testing are purely functional giving no information considering the etiology of the disturbance, and only point to the localization and type of the disturbance that lead to vertigo. That is why they always need to be combined with neuroradiologic, neurosonologic and laboratory tests. The brain relies on three sensory systems to maintain spatial orientation: the vestibular system (the inner ear), the visual system (the eyes), and the somatosensory system (which conveys information from the skin, joint, and muscle receptors). These three systems overlap, allowing the brain to assemble an accurate sense of spatial orientation. Information from these systems is integrated in the cerebrum and cerebellum. However, a compromised system or conflicting signals can cause vertigo

Keywords

Neurophysiological diagnostic tests; vertigo; electromyography; evoked potentials

Hrčak ID:

17448

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/17448

Publication date:

10.10.2007.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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