Abstract
The stages of continuous vertigo of peripheral origin were classified into nine categories according to the findings of spontaneous nystagmus (SPN) and head-shaking nystagmus (HSN). The patients analyzed were composed of 18 cases with vestibular neuronitis, 6 with sudden deafness and vertigo and 6 with inner ear disorders. 1) Irritative SPN (Stage I) was rarely seen. 2) SPN of the paralytic type (Stage II) was usually observed within one month after the onset of disease. 3) HSN directed towards the intact ear with or without a reversal phase (Stage III-2 and III-1, respectively) was the common type of central compensation. 4) In the process of recovery to complete cure (Stage V), HSN could disappear trasiently (Stage III-3), or be directed toward the affected ear without a reversal phase (Stage III-5). However, HSN directed toward the affected ear with a reversal phase (Stage III-4) was not observed. 5) Spontaneous recovery nystagmus (Stage IV) could also occur. 6) About 40% of patients recovered to Stage V within about 4 months after the onset of vertigo, but about 30% of patients remained in Stage III-1 or III-2 even 4 months after the onset of disease.
