THE TREATMENT OF VERTIGO AND SYNCOPE

Abstract

Vertigo and syncope are common symptomatic manifestations, yet many physicians possess inadequate knowledge not only of the treatment but also of the fundamental nature of these states. Although usually vertigo and syncope are unrelated both in their pathogenesis and in their treatment, it is justifiable to consider them together because they are confused with each other. Vertigo, in a strict sense, describes an experience in which the patient has the sensation that the outer world is revolving about him (objective vertigo) or that he himself is moving in space (subjective vertigo). The latter experience can be reproduced simply by subjecting the patient to rapid whirling movements of some duration. Frequently, however, vertigo is used erroneously as a synonym for dizziness or giddiness to indicate an unpleasant sensation of disturbed relationship to surrounding objects in space. The terms dizziness and giddiness should be restricted to an abnormal sensation of unsteadiness characterized