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Vertigo is a sensation that makes you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning, even when you're standing still. It is not just feeling dizzy; vertigo can make it hard to stay balanced and perform normal activities. The spinning feeling can be mild or intense, sometimes causing nausea, vomiting, or difficulty walking. It can come and go, lasting only a few seconds or staying for much longer. Vertigo is often caused by problems in the inner ear, which helps control your balance, but it can also be a sign of issues with the brain or nervous system. Common conditions that can lead to vertigo include inner ear infections, certain types of migraines, or even head injuries. While it can be scary and uncomfortable, vertigo is usually treatable, and neurologists can help find the cause to provide the best possible treatment.
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The primary symptom of vertigo is a feeling of motion or spinning. 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.
Here are five common causes of vertigo:
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear move into the wrong position, disrupting balance. It typically causes brief episodes of spinning sensations when changing head positions.
2. Meniere's Disease
Meniere's disease is an inner ear disorder caused by fluid buildup, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear pressure. Episodes can last from minutes to hours and often occur suddenly.
3. Vestibular Neuritis
This condition involves inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. It causes sudden vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems, often following a viral infection.
4. Migraines
Some people experience vertigo as part of a migraine episode, known as vestibular migraine. It involves dizziness, balance issues, and sensitivity to light or sound, even without a headache.
5. Inner Ear Infections (Labyrinthitis)
Labyrinthitis is an infection or inflammation of the inner ear that disrupts balance signals to the brain, causing vertigo, dizziness, hearing loss, and sometimes ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
Peripheral and central vertigo are the two types of 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)
Small particles in the inner ear shift, causing brief dizziness when moving the head in certain directions.
Injury (like a headache)
Head injuries can damage balance systems, leading to dizziness, headaches, and difficulty with coordination or focus.
Medications harmful to the inner ear
Certain drugs can damage the inner ear, causing dizziness, hearing loss, or balance problems over time.
Inner ear inflammation (Labyrinthitis)
Infection or irritation in the inner ear causes dizziness, hearing problems, and difficulty maintaining balance.
Meniere’s Disease
A buildup of inner ear fluid causes sudden dizziness, hearing loss, and pressure in the ear.
Vestibular Neuritis (Neuronitis)
Inflammation of the nerve connecting the inner ear to the brain causes sudden dizziness and balance problems.
Vestibular Nerve Compression
A non-cancerous tumour presses on the balance nerve, leading to dizziness, hearing issues, or loss of balance.
Any Central vertigo occurs when there's an issue in the brain stem or cerebellum, areas responsible for coordination and balance. Conditions like strokes, tumours, multiple sclerosis, or migraines can trigger central vertigo, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms like double vision, difficulty swallowing, or weakness.
Possible causes of central vertigo include:
Blood vessel disease
Seizures (infrequently)
Cancerous or non-cancerous stroke tumours
Vestibular migraine is a particular kind of migraine.
Diagnosing vertigo involves a detailed medical history, physical examination, and specific tests to assess balance and eye movements. Tests like the Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre or imaging scans help identify underlying causes.
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:
Canalith Repositioning Manoeuvres (CMPs)
CMPs involve a series of controlled head movements to guide displaced calcium particles back to their proper place in the inner ear, often providing fast and effective relief from BPPV.
Medications
Vestibular suppressants, such as antihistamines and benzodiazepines, along with anti-nausea drugs, help reduce vertigo-related symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, offering temporary relief during vertigo episodes.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
VRT consists of customised exercises designed to retrain the brain to compensate for inner ear balance issues. These exercises improve balance, reduce dizziness, and help patients better manage vertigo long-term.
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 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
Ageing: As people age, the structures in the inner ear deteriorate, and balance control weakens, making older adults more prone to vertigo episodes.
Head Injuries: Trauma to the head can damage the inner ear or brain areas responsible for balance, increasing the risk of experiencing vertigo and dizziness.
Ear Infections: Frequent or severe ear infections can inflame and damage inner ear structures, leading to balance issues and increased chances of vertigo.
Migraines: People with migraines, especially vestibular migraines, are more likely to experience vertigo as part of their migraine symptoms, including dizziness and balance problems.
Prolonged Bed Rest: Long periods of inactivity or lying down can disrupt inner ear balance mechanisms, increasing the likelihood of experiencing vertigo when resuming normal activities.
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.
1. Is vertigo a serious condition?
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.
2. Can vertigo be due to any serious health issue?
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.
3. Are there lifestyle changes to manage vertigo?
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.
4. How do you fix Vertigo?
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.
5. Should I see a doctor for vertigo?
Yes, see a doctor if your vertigo is severe, lasts over 24 hours, or comes with new symptoms like weakness or hearing loss.
