Autonomic Dysfunction in Patients with Vertigo

Autonomic function and vertebral blood flow were measured in patients with vertigo. Based on our findings obtained in a series of studies, we propose the following hypothesis of sympatho-vascular mechanisms of vertigo. Hyporesponse of the sympathetic nervous system to stress observed in patients with vertigo induces asymmetrical blood flow of the vertebral artery. Asymmetrical activity of the sympathetic nervous system observed in patients with vertigo also induces asymmetrical blood flow of the vertebral artery. The asymmetrical vertebral blood flow induces asymmetrical activities of the inner ear and/or the vestibular nuclei, resulting in the development of vertigo.