Insight into the pathomechanisms of the benign positional vertigo syndromes has led to quick and effective treatment with positional manoeuvres. Our understanding of other causes of vertigo is progressing at a slower pace, but several recent findings regarding vestibular neuritis, vascular compression of the eighth nerve and psychogenic vertigo are of immediate clinical relevance. Curr Opin Neurol 11:5–9. © 1998 Rapid Science Ltd