Before a Vertigo diagnosis can be made, we must first find out the type of vertigo.

There are 2 major groups, namely Central Vertigo and Vestibular Vertigo.

Central vertigo is a type of vertigo caused by disturbances in the central nervous system, especially in the brainstem and cerebellum which are responsible for balance and body position. While the disorder in Vestibular Vertigo lies in the inner ear.

The checks we can perform include:

Neurological Examination
With a neurological examination we can find out the disturbances in the central nervous system such as the brain or the cerebellum as the center of balance. Vertigo with findings on neurological examination may indicate Central Vertigo.

Ear Physical Examination
From a physical examination of the ears, we look for external ear disorders that lead to infection, trauma, bleeding and other disorders. This situation can cause disturbances in the ear balance organs and can cause Vertigo symptoms.

Balance Check (Romberg Test)
Vertigo will usually be accompanied by a positive result on the balance test.

Audiometry
In Vestibular Vertigo there can be a decrease in hearing function because there is a disturbance in the inner ear. Audiometric tests can objectively show the level of sharp hearing and can help diagnose Vertigo.

CT Scan and MRI
To view radiological images of the brain and monitor disorders of the brain and central nervous system such as tumors, strokes, intracranial hemorrhages, all of which may trigger Central Vertigo.

Electronystagmography
Or also called the eyeball movement test, can be used to objectively assess the abnormal movement of the eyeballs that occurs when symptoms of a spinning sensation in vertigo arise.

There are several other tests that are important in distinguishing between the spinning sensation that occurs in vertigo and similar symptoms in other diseases. As in low blood pressure, anemia, electrolyte disturbances and hypoglycemia can occur symptoms of lightheadedness and a spinning sensation which are sometimes difficult for patients to distinguish.

Therefore, the following checks can also be added as a support:

Blood Pressure Check
Hemoglobin
Electrolytic panel
Blood Sugar Check

Author : Dr. Apri Kristanto Utomo (Pramita Clinical Laboratory Medical Service Doctor Branch Jl. Adityawarman No. 73-75 Surabaya)