
Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Vertigo natural history, complications and prognosis
Introduction
Overview
Overview
If left untreated vertigo can affect quality of life and could a symptom of a more serious underlying cause. Common complications include mood instability, falls. Prognosis depends upon the etiology.
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Natural History
- If left untreated persistent or permanent vertigo can lead to depression, falls, dependency, decreased physical activity, social and work limitations.[1]
- It can be detrimental if the symptom is not evaluated for an underlying cause as some causes of vertigo can be fatal: brainstem stroke, cerebellopontine angle tumor, hypertensive crisis, drug overdose, cerebellar hemorrhage.
Complications
- Complications include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Difficulty performing daily tasks
- Diminished quality of life
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Falls
Prognosis
- Prognosis of vertigo depends upon treating the underlying cause. However, vertigo due to a tumor has a poor prognosis compared to other causes of vertigo.
References
References
- ↑ Walther LE (2014). “[Dizziness and vertigo in older individuals]”. MMW Fortschr Med. 156 (13): 48–52, quiz 53. PMID 25318226.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Zehra Malik, M.B.B.S[2]
