Abstract

Dizziness and vertigo are relatively common in about 5–10% of population, more often in elderly people. In 85% of cases vertigo attacks are caused by disturbances in the inner ear – bening paroxysmel positional vertigo (BPPV) or in the vestibular nerve (vestibular neuritis), or by Ménière disease. Only 15% of vertigo cases are associated with central nervous system  disorders. Vertigo often takes a favourable natural course – periferal vestibular function improves, due to central compensation. Most forms of vertigo can be successfully treated – by physiotherapy – vestibular excercises – liberatory manoeuvres and by medical treatment. Betahistin (24 mg twice daily) is the treatment of choice.