The meaning of the word "vertigo"

Brian W. Blakley; Joel Goebel

doi:10.1067/mhn.2001.117869

The meaning of the word "vertigo"

Brian W. Blakley, Joel Goebel

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether otologists see a need to further define the word "vertigo" and assess the variety of meanings that are meant in using the word. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to 720 members of the American Otological Society (AOS) and American Neurotological Society (ANS) to assess the need for further definition and the current understanding of the meaning of "vertigo." RESULTS: The response rate was 42%. Significant variability in the intended meaning of the word "vertigo" was found suggesting that the definition is inconsistent among experts. Three quarters of the respondents indicated that the word needs further definition. The word was most commonly used to indicate sensations that include spinning or turning only. CONCLUSION: The definition of the term "vertigo" is inconsistent among otolaryngologists. Refinement of the definition is desirable for accurate history taking and should be limited to false illusions of circular motion.

Original language	English
Pages (from-to)	147-150
Number of pages	4
Journal	Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume	125
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1067/mhn.2001.117869
State	Published - Sep 2001
Externally published	Yes

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10.1067/mhn.2001.117869

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title = "The meaning of the word {"}vertigo{"}",

abstract = "OBJECTIVE: To determine whether otologists see a need to further define the word {"}vertigo{"} and assess the variety of meanings that are meant in using the word. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to 720 members of the American Otological Society (AOS) and American Neurotological Society (ANS) to assess the need for further definition and the current understanding of the meaning of {"}vertigo.{"} RESULTS: The response rate was 42%. Significant variability in the intended meaning of the word {"}vertigo{"} was found suggesting that the definition is inconsistent among experts. Three quarters of the respondents indicated that the word needs further definition. The word was most commonly used to indicate sensations that include spinning or turning only. CONCLUSION: The definition of the term {"}vertigo{"} is inconsistent among otolaryngologists. Refinement of the definition is desirable for accurate history taking and should be limited to false illusions of circular motion.",

author = "Blakley, {Brian W.} and Joel Goebel",

note = "Funding Information: From the Department of Otolaryngology (Dr Blakley), University of Manitoba, and the Department of Otolaryngology (Dr Goebel), Washington University School of Medicine. This project was funded by a grant from the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Denver Colorado, September 9-12, 2001. Reprint requests: Brian W. Blakley, MD, PhD, FRCSC, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Manitoba, GB421-820 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3A 1R9; e-mail, bblakley@ exchange.hsc.mb.ca Copyright {\textcopyright} 2001 by the American Academy of Otolaryngology– Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, Inc. 0194-5998/2001/$35.00 + 0 23/1/117869 doi:10.1067/mhn.2001.117869",

year = "2001",

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N2 - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether otologists see a need to further define the word "vertigo" and assess the variety of meanings that are meant in using the word. METHODS: A questionnaire was mailed to 720 members of the American Otological Society (AOS) and American Neurotological Society (ANS) to assess the need for further definition and the current understanding of the meaning of "vertigo." RESULTS: The response rate was 42%. Significant variability in the intended meaning of the word "vertigo" was found suggesting that the definition is inconsistent among experts. Three quarters of the respondents indicated that the word needs further definition. The word was most commonly used to indicate sensations that include spinning or turning only. CONCLUSION: The definition of the term "vertigo" is inconsistent among otolaryngologists. Refinement of the definition is desirable for accurate history taking and should be limited to false illusions of circular motion.

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The meaning of the word "vertigo"

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