VERTIGO

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Vertigo is a sensation that disrupts your sense of balance, making you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning. It can be a very unpleasant experience, causing dizziness, nausea, and even vomiting.

Causes of Vertigo

Inner Ear Trouble:

The most common cause of vertigo is an inner ear problem. Your inner ear plays a vital role in balance by sending signals to your brain about your head’s position and movement. When these signals are disrupted, it creates a mismatch between what your inner ear senses and what your eyes see, leading to the feeling of spinning.

Inner ear issues that can cause vertigo include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Tiny calcium particles become dislodged within the inner ear canals, triggering vertigo with specific head movements.
• Ménière’s disease: This inner ear disorder involves fluid buildup and pressure changes, leading to vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and hearing loss.
• Labyrinthitis: An inner ear infection that inflames the labyrinth, the structure responsible for balance and hearing.

Other Causes includes:

While inner ear problems are the most frequent culprit, the sensation can also stem from issues in other parts of the body, such as:

• Migraines: Vertigo can be a symptom of some migraine headaches.
• Stroke: A stroke affecting the brainstem or cerebellum, areas involved in balance, can cause vertigo.
• Medications: Certain medications can list this sensation as a side effect.
• Head injury: A blow to the head can disrupt inner ear function and lead to this sensation.

Symptoms

• Spinning sensation
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Loss of balance
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sweating
• Difficulty focusing

The severity and duration of the symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause.

Seeking Medical Attention

If you experience the sensation suddenly, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms like slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or vision problems, seek immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause are crucial to prevent complications.

Here’s when to see a doctor

• First-time vertigo episode, especially if severe
• If the sensation lasts for more than a few days
• Vertigo accompanied by other concerning symptoms like:
  • Facial weakness
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Vision problems
  • Numbness or weakness in arms or legs
  • Fever
  • Severe headache

Diagnosing Vertigo

Doctors typically diagnose this through a physical examination and a detailed discussion of your symptoms. They may also order tests like:

• Nystagmus test: This test observes involuntary eye movements that can indicate vertigo.
• Hearing test: To assess for hearing loss, which can be associated with inner ear problems.
• Imaging tests (MRI or CT scan): To rule out other causes like stroke or tumors.

Treatments

The treatment depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

• Medications: Medications can help manage nausea, vomiting, and anxiety associated with vertigo.
• Canalith repositioning maneuvers (CMPs): Specific head movements performed by a healthcare professional to reposition dislodged particles in the inner ear (for BPPV).
• Lifestyle changes: Managing stress, getting enough sleep, and avoiding triggers like caffeine and alcohol can help reduce the frequency.
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: Exercises designed to retrain your inner ear and brain to work together and improve balance.

Living with Vertigo

Vertigo can be a disruptive experience, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.

Source

This information is compiled from reliable sources, including the following:

• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): https://www.nih.gov/about-nih/what-we-do/nih-almanac/national-institute-deafness-other-communication-disorders-nidcd
• Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ear-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20351616
• American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: https://www.entnet.org/quality-practice/quality-products/clinical-practice-guidelines/