Central vs. Peripheral Vestibular Disorders: Symptoms & Differences

Both central and peripheral disorders are associated with dizziness, the feeling that objects are moving when they're not and a sensation of spinning. Otherwise, the causes, treatment and many of the symptoms of these conditions are very different.

Nausea

• Peripheral vestibular is associated with severe nausea and vomiting that arrives along with the dizzy spells, while central vestibular usually does not come with nausea.

Fatigue

• Those with central vestibular and jerky eye movements do not normally experience fatigue as a result, while those with peripheral vestibular do experience fatigue.

Visual Blurring

• Those with central vestibular disorder can experience vision blurring, which is not present with those who have peripheral vestibular.

Causes

• Peripheral vestibular is caused by muscle weakness and paralysis, while central vestibular is caused by aging, infections, head injuries, blood disorders and medications.

Treatment

• Central vestibular disorder is treated by treating the underlying causes and through balance building exercises, while peripheral vestibular goes away on its own in 6 to 12 months.