V

Vascular vertigo

Dizziness caused by problems with the blood supply to the labyrinth or the balance centres of the brain. It can occur in people who suffer from migraine or in those with “vascular risk factors” i.e. people who are overweight, smokers, people with high blood pressure and people who don’t take enough exercise.

Vertigo

The term used by doctors to describe a form of dizziness with a strong sensation of movement of the patient or their surroundings. Frequently, vertigo is used to mean spinning or rotational dizziness.

Vestibular compensation

The process that allows the brain to regain balance control when there is an imbalance between the right and left vestibular systems. It is based on reducing this imbalance and making up for the problems in this area by educating the brain to rely more on visual and joint/muscular impulses.

Vestibular rehabilitation

(Sometimes called Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises) Physiotherapy programmes which re-educate the balance system. These involve exercises for the eyes, neck, trunk and the whole body in different
visual conditions (looking at objects far away or close up, or having the eyes closed).

Viral labyrinthitis

A viral inflammation of the labyrinth. It causes dizziness/vertigo lasting days or weeks, usually following a cold or ’flu. It is sometimes called
vestibular neuronitis.

Vertigo

This is an abnormal sensation of movement which makes you feel as if either you or the room is spinning. It can be a symptom of either a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack, although it is more commonly a symptom of a problem with the ear and balance mechanism.

Ventilator

A machine designed to move air in and out of a person’s lungs to assist breathing mechanically (a life support machine).

Vertebrae

Vertebrae are the individual bones which make up the spinal column. Each vertebra has a number of component parts which have their own names. These include the body, pedicles, laminae, spinous process, transverse process and facet joints.

ventitlatory muscles

The muscles in the chest wall, back and neck that assist with breathing.

Vascular

About the blood vessels anywhere in the body.

Voluntary movement

Movement of any part of the body that is willed by the person carrying it out.