Which statement best describes the differentiation between peripheral and central vertigo as per the notes?

Which statement best describes the differentiation between peripheral and central vertigo as per the notes?

• A. Peripheral vertigo involves vestibular apparatus; central vertigo involves vestibular pathways and cerebellum
• B. Peripheral vertigo involves vestibular pathways; central vertigo involves vestibular apparatus
• C. Peripheral vertigo involves auditory system; central vertigo involves visual system
• D. Peripheral vertigo involves spinal cord; central vertigo involves brainstem

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is where the dizziness originates in the vestibular system. Peripheral vertigo comes from the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear (the hair cell sensors in the semicircular canals and otolith organs, or the vestibular nerve). Central vertigo, on the other hand, arises from the brain’s processing of that information—specifically the vestibular pathways in the brainstem and the cerebellum. That distinction is why this statement is the best: it correctly assigns peripheral vertigo to the inner-ear structures and central vertigo to the CNS pathways and cerebellar involvement. The other options misplace the source or bring in non-vestibular systems (like the auditory system) or structures not primarily involved in the central-peripheral distinction (such as the spinal cord).

The main idea being tested is where the dizziness originates in the vestibular system. Peripheral vertigo comes from the vestibular apparatus in the inner ear (the hair cell sensors in the semicircular canals and otolith organs, or the vestibular nerve). Central vertigo, on the other hand, arises from the brain’s processing of that information—specifically the vestibular pathways in the brainstem and the cerebellum. That distinction is why this statement is the best: it correctly assigns peripheral vertigo to the inner-ear structures and central vertigo to the CNS pathways and cerebellar involvement.

The other options misplace the source or bring in non-vestibular systems (like the auditory system) or structures not primarily involved in the central-peripheral distinction (such as the spinal cord).