Ocular vertigo is a condition that results in a spinning sensation that is caused by problems in the eyes or the parts of the brain that process visual information. The word ocular is pronounced /ˈɑːkjʊlər/ (ah-kyuh-lur), with the stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation of the word vertigo is /ˈvɜːrtɪɡəʊ/ (ver-ti-goh), with the stress on the first syllable as well. In essence, the word ocular vertigo is spelled just as it sounds, with the inclusion of the Latin word ocular, which means pertaining to the eyes.
Ocular vertigo, also known as visual vertigo, is a medical condition characterized by the sensation of dizziness or spinning that is triggered by visual stimuli. It is a type of vertigo that occurs when there is a mismatch between the visual signals received by the eyes and the signals from the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
Individuals with ocular vertigo often experience symptoms such as dizziness, unsteadiness, disorientation, and a sensation of the visual environment moving or spinning. These symptoms can be provoked by various visual cues, including but not limited to busy or patterned backgrounds, crowded places, optical illusions, and rapid or repetitive visual motion.
The underlying causes of ocular vertigo can vary and may include disorders of the inner ear, such as Meniere's disease or labyrinthitis, as well as migraines, certain medications, or previous head trauma. In some cases, there may be no identifiable cause.
Treatment for ocular vertigo aims to minimize or alleviate symptoms. It may involve a multidisciplinary approach, including medication, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, and visual training to improve the integration of visual and vestibular signals. Lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding triggering visual stimuli or managing stress, can also be beneficial.
It is important for individuals experiencing ocular vertigo to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis from a healthcare professional, as it can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. With proper management and support, individuals with ocular vertigo can learn to effectively manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Dizziness caused by refractive errors in the eye or imbalance of the extrinsic muscles.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "ocular vertigo" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two terms: "ocular" and "vertigo".
1. Ocular: The term "ocular" comes from the Latin word "oculus", meaning "eye". It refers to anything related to the eyes or vision.
2. Vertigo: The word "vertigo" has its roots in the Latin word "vertere", meaning "to turn". It originally referred to a sensation of dizziness or spinning.
The combination of these two terms, "ocular vertigo", is used to describe a particular type of dizziness or spinning sensation that is related to vision or eye movement.