Historical aspects in central vestibular syndrome

Abstract

Central vestibular syndromes raise many challenges through their differential diagnosis. Throughout the last two centuries the advent of medical technologies provided new insights into the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. The fi rst studies date back in 1824 when Flourens researched the physiology of the labyrinth. As a result of the incomplete knowledge on the anatomy of central vestibular structures, the cerebellum was initially incriminated for the vestibular syndromes. First similarities between labyrinth related symptoms and cerebellum disorders were investigated by Babinski in 1913. Eventually, vestibular signs were also attributed to cerebellar peduncles lesions. The article outlines a chronological systematization of the steps taken throughout time in establishing the features of central vestibular syndrome.

Keywords

• central vestibular syndrome
• vestibular system
• history