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Often confused with dizziness, vertigo is the feeling of motion or spinning.
Being lightheaded is not the same as experiencing vertigo. Patients experiencing vertigo perceive their surroundings as spinning around them, or they feel as though they are moving or spinning.
It's usually not too difficult to resolve, even when you want to scratch. Seek medical attention from your doctor if the spinning feeling persists. People are advised to make an appointment with their doctor to thoroughly examine and evaluate this health issue.
Book an appointment with our expert doctors to get yourself checked
The primary symptom is a feeling of motion or spinning, either in the room or in you. Nausea and vomiting could result from the spinning sensation.
Other signs of vertigo may include the following, depending on the cause:
Trouble maintaining eye focus
Deterioration of one or both ears hearing
Lightheadedness and Dizziness
Imbalance loss (may result in falls)
Loss of bodily fluids is caused by nausea and vomiting.
If your vertigo is triggered by brain issues (central vertigo), you can also have the following symptoms:
Having trouble swallowing
Difficulties with eye movement
Paralysis of the face
Dual vision
Slurred speech
Weakness in the limbs
The time frame of symptoms may vary, ranging from a few minutes to many hours or longer.
There are two types of vertigo:
1. Peripheral Vertigo
2. Central Vertigo
1. Peripheral Vertigo: A dysfunction in the part of the inner ear that regulates balance is the cause of peripheral vertigo. These regions are referred to as the semicircular canals or vestibular labyrinths. The vestibular nerve could potentially be connected to the problem. This nerve runs from the brainstem to the inner ear.
There are several possible causes of peripheral vertigo.
Benign positional vertigo (BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)
Injury (like a headache)
Some medications are harmful to the structures of the inner ear.
Inner ear inflammation and irritation (labyrinthitis)
The Meniere disease
Vestibular nerve inflammation, also known as neuronitis
Vestibular nerve compression is typically caused by a benign tumour like a meningioma or schwannoma.
2. Central Vertigo: Any brain abnormality that causes central vertigo usually originates in the brain stem or the cerebellum, the back portion of the brain.
Possible causes of central vertigo include:
Blood vessel disease
Seizures (infrequently)
Tumours (Cancerous or Non-cancerous)
Vestibular migraine is a particular kind of migraine.
Here is a brief overview of the vertigo diagnosing procedure:
Medical history: Your symptoms, including when they began and any triggers, will be discussed with the doctor.
Physical examination: Your coordination, balance disorder, and eye movements may be assessed.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) can be diagnosed with the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre, a particular head movement test.
Testing for inner ear function, such as vestibular function, hearing, and imaging scans (MRI, CT) are examples of diagnostic tests.
Tests on the bloodstream: To exclude other potential reasons, like infections or metabolic issues.
These steps direct your road to relief and assist in identifying the vertigo causes.
A multifaceted strategy is needed to control the dizzying sense of vertigo. What your doctor may advise is as follows:
With canalith repositioning manoeuvres (CMPs), displaced inner ear particles are removed through specific head movements, which frequently resolve BPPV.
Medication: Vestibular suppressants and anti-nausea medications help ease symptoms including vertigo and nausea.
Vestibular rehabilitation treatment (VRT) attempts to train your brain to compensate for balance problems through condition-specific exercises.
Surgery may be considered in some uncommon circumstances. The most appropriate type of treatment will be decided once you and your doctor have discussed the specific needs and preferences.
Although home remedies for vertigo shouldn't be adopted in place of medical guidance, these easy fixes can provide momentary relief from mild vertigo:
Stay hydrated always
Use ginger to ease symptoms
Deep breathing exercises should be practised
Get rest
Sudden movements are to be avoided
Try acupressure or acupuncture
Apply essential oils such as peppermint or lavender
If you suffer from severe or constant dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, or spinning feelings, you should consult a doctor for vertigo. Furthermore, you should contact a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions if vertigo interferes with your everyday activities or occurs frequently.
Refrain from allowing vertigo to take over your life. Even while symptoms are frequently manageable if they are severe, persistent, or accompanied by worrisome indicators like weakness or hearing loss, get medical help immediately. Make an appointment with your doctor to receive a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan. To reestablish equilibrium and well-being, keep in mind that early intervention is crucial.
Indeed, vertigo may be a sign of serious medical problems. Persistent or severe symptoms necessitate a medical checkup, even though they're not necessarily dangerous.
Yes, vertigo can sometimes indicate serious health issues such as brain abnormalities, blood vessel disease, or tumours. Consulting a doctor is essential for proper evaluation.
A few lifestyle changes, such as drinking enough of water, avoiding abrupt movements, deep breathing exercises, and applying essential oils or ginger, can help reduce symptoms of vertigo and enhance quality of life.
Certainly, depending on the underlying cause, treatment options can include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medication, canalith repositioning manoeuvres, and in rare instances, surgery to address particular difficulties.
Yes, see a doctor if your vertigo is severe, lasts over 24 hours, or comes with new symptoms like weakness or hearing loss.
