Vertigo and balance disturbances in multiple sclerosis patients Review article

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Tomasz Berkowicz

Abstract

Most of the multiple sclerosis patients report vertigo or balance disturbances. Acute vertigo can be the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis relapse and can mimic vestibular neuritis. The main cause of vertigo are demyelinating lesions within central part of the vestibular system, mainly in the root entry zone of the VIIIth nerve. Disequilibrium can also be caused by cerebellar ataxia, deep sensation impairment or internuclear ophtalmoplegia causing oscillopsia. The author describes epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology and treatment of vertigo and balance disturbances in multiple sclerosis.

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