Which area is primarily associated with central vertigo?

Central vertigo is primarily associated with issues in the brain stem and cerebellum. These areas are crucial for processing sensory information and coordinating balance and spatial orientation. The brain stem integrates signals from both the vestibular system (responsible for balance located in the inner ear) and proprioceptive feedback from the body, while the cerebellum plays a key role in fine-tuning motor control and ensuring balance.

Disorders affecting the brain stem or cerebellum can disrupt the normal processing of vestibular signals, leading to the sensation of spinning or dizziness characteristic of vertigo. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, strokes, or tumors affecting these regions are common causes of central vertigo, highlighting the significance of these areas in the pathophysiology of balance disorders.

In contrast, the inner ear is primarily associated with peripheral vertigo, where the issue originates from the structures responsible for balance. The auditory cortex is involved in processing sound but does not directly contribute to vertigo sensations. The spinal cord is more involved in transmitting motor and sensory information but is not typically a source of vertigo symptoms. This delineation underscores why brain stem and cerebellar involvement is key to understanding central vertigo.