Labyrinthine concussion is the most common cause of vertigo following head injury Symptoms generally diminish within several days but may linger for a month or more Basilar skull fractures that traverse the inner ear usually result in severe vertigo lasting several days to a week and deafness in the involved ear Chronic posttraumatic vertigo may result from cupulolithiasis This occurs when traumatically detached statoconia (otoconia) settle on the ampulla of the posterior semicircular canal and cause an excessive degree of cupular deflection in response to head motion Clinically, this presents as episodic positioning vertigo

Treatment

consists of supportive care and vestibular suppressant medication (diazepam or meclizine) during the acute phase of the attack, and vestibular therapy