Final answer:
Peripheral vertigo originates from issues in the inner ear or vestibular system and often includes hearing symptoms, whereas central vertigo is related to problems in the brain, such as the cerebellum or brainstem, and can include broader neurological issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Difference Between Peripheral and Central Vertigo The question asks, "What is the difference between peripheral and central vertigo?" Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or having one's surroundings spin around them, and it can be divided into peripheral vertigo and central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is associated with problems in the inner ear or vestibular system, which includes the structures responsible for balance, such as the semicircular canals, utricle, saccule, and the vestibulocochlear nerve. It often presents with symptoms like ringing in the ears or hearing loss, which could be a sign of conditions like Ménière's disease, which involves fluid accumulation in the inner ear. On the other hand, central vertigo is related to issues in the brain, particularly in the cerebellum or brainstem, where vestibular signals are processed. Deficits here can affect balance and coordination and are not typically associated with hearing problems. A patient with peripheral vertigo might experience issues triggered by changes in the position of the head due to the malfunction of the vestibular hair cells in the inner ear. Central vertigo's symptoms tend to be less motion-dependent and more continuous, sometimes accompanied by other neurological deficits due to brain malfunction.