Vertigo

Vertigo is the feeling of dizziness, which may be accompanied by nausea and a sensation that everything around is spinning. Vertigo mostly occurs due to an issue with the inner ear, which is one of the responsible organs for maintaining posture and balance in humans. Sometimes, it may be a side effect or lingering effect of an infection, or it may indicate an underlying condition affecting the brain, such as a tumour or stroke. Vertigo may resolve on its own without any medication or treatment. However, it may also require treatment depending on the underlying cause.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the sensation of dizziness or the feeling that the environment around the affected person is spinning. It can disrupt the balance of the affected person and may or may not be a sign of a serious health problem. Vertigo is usually indicative of some underlying condition such as stroke or a brain tumour.

Types of Vertigo

There are two types of Vertigo:

• Peripheral Vertigo: This is the most common type of Vertigo and usually occurs when there is a problem in the inner ear of one or both ears. The inner ear and the vestibular nerve are essential for maintaining physical balance in human beings. The types of peripheral Vertigo experienced may include:
• Labyrinthitis
• Meniere's disease
• Vestibular neuritis
• Benign paroxysmal positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Central Vertigo: Central Vertigo is less common than peripheral Vertigo and can occur due to a condition affecting the brain, such as an infection, injury, tumour formation, or stroke. Individuals with central Vertigo may experience symptoms similar to Vertigo but in a more severe form, such as severe instability or the inability to stand straight, which can prevent them from walking.

Causes of Vertigo

Issues with the inner ear may be the most common cause of Vertigo, but there are other reasons for Vertigo. The causes of Vertigo can vary from person to person.

Some of the most common causes of Vertigo include:

• Stroke
• Arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat
• Migraine
• Diabetes
• Head injuries
• Prolonged sleeping or bed rest
• Ear surgery
• Perilymphatic fistula (leakage of inner ear fluid into the middle ear)
• Shingles inside the ear or near it
• Certain medications, such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and cardiovascular drugs
• Low blood pressure
• Sexually transmitted diseases such as syphilis
• Rapid breathing
• Ataxia or muscle weakness
• Meniere's disease
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Vestibular neuritis
• Benign paroxysmal positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Acoustic neuroma.

Causes of Vertigo in women may also include pregnancy, which can be more pronounced during the first trimester. Anaemia can also be a cause of Vertigo in women of any age.

In the elderly, causes of Vertigo may be attributed to their medications or unmanageable high blood pressure. Sudden onset of Vertigo in an otherwise healthy individual can be triggered by a sudden jerking or fast movement of the head, causing the fluids in the inner ear to move.

Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo symptoms can be characterized by sensations of spinning, tilting, swaying, or feeling unbalanced, as well as being pulled in one direction. Symptoms of Vertigo may be accompanied by:

• Dizziness
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Hearing loss in one or both ears
• Imbalance
• Motion sickness
• Headache
• Tinnitus or a ringing sensation in the ear
• Nystagmus (rapid, involuntary eye movements)
• The feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ears

Signs of Vertigo may vary from person to person, depending on the underlying cause. In pregnant women, Vertigo symptoms may include dizziness accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. The duration of Vertigo symptoms and causes can range from a few minutes to a few hours.

Diagnosis of Vertigo

A healthcare provider may ask about the initial symptoms of Vertigo and perform a physical examination. They may also recommend some diagnostic tests.

• Imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans may be performed on the head to determine any brain injuries or trauma.
• During a head impulse test, the healthcare provider may physically tilt the patient's head lightly from one side to another while the patient focuses on a fixed target.
• A vestibular test battery may be used to determine whether the symptoms are a result of an inner ear issue or a brain issue.

Additionally, other Vertigo diagnosis tests, such as Romberg's test, may be performed to identify issues with the central nervous system or the spinal cord. The Fukuda-Unterberger test may also be conducted to detect signs of Vertigo caused by inner ear problems.

Risk Factors of Vertigo

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a false sensation of spinning or movement. It can be caused by various underlying factors and conditions. Some of the common risk factors for vertigo include:

• Inner Ear Disorders: Many cases of vertigo are associated with problems in the inner ear. Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, and labyrinthitis can lead to vertigo.
• Age: The risk of developing vertigo tends to increase with age. BPPV, in particular, is more common in older adults.
• Gender: Certain types of vertigo, such as Meniere's disease, appear to affect women more often than men.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic head injuries can damage the inner ear or vestibular system and lead to vertigo.
• Vestibular Neuritis: This viral infection of the vestibular nerve can cause sudden and severe vertigo.
• Migraines: People who experience frequent migraines are more susceptible to vestibular migraines, which can cause vertigo along with typical migraine symptoms.
• Lack of Physical Activity: A sedentary lifestyle and poor physical fitness may increase the risk of developing balance and vestibular problems that lead to vertigo.
• High Salt Diet: Excessive salt intake can worsen the symptoms of conditions like Meniere's disease and increase the risk of vertigo attacks.

Treatment for Vertigo

Vertigo causes and treatment may be interrelated as the symptoms may indicate where the problem is, and Vertigo treatment may be performed accordingly. Some of the commonly used forms of treatment for Vertigo may include:

• Repositioning manoeuvers: Specific exercises or a series of movements involving the head, which may be performed in a controlled environment and under expert supervision to provide relief from Vertigo.
• Vertigo medication: Medicine for Vertigo treatment may be recommended to alleviate symptoms of Vertigo. Healthcare providers may recommend antihistamines and motion sickness medications.
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (Vertigo exercises): Therapeutic treatment customized according to the needs and requirements of the patients may be opted for to provide relief from Vertigo symptoms like dizziness, balance issues, and blurry vision.
• Surgery: Surgery may be opted for if the cause of Vertigo is serious, such as a tumour or injury to the neck or brain. Surgery may also be performed if other forms of treatment do not work or have failed to provide any relief from Vertigo.

Side effects of vertigo treatment

Most side effects of vertigo treatments are not serious, but people may react differently. Common side effects include:

• Feeling sleepy
• Constipation
• Headaches
• Feeling tired
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Indigestion

Prochlorperazine might cause muscle twitching in the shoulders, face, or neck, but this usually stops once you stop taking the medicine.

How do healthcare providers treat vertigo?

Healthcare providers treat vertigo in several ways:

• Medications:
  • Dizziness and nausea relief: Medicines like meclizine can help with dizziness, and others can reduce nausea.
• Exercises:
  • Balance exercises: Special exercises help your brain adjust to the imbalance.
  • Head movements: Techniques like the Epley maneuver can move crystals in your inner ear to stop vertigo.
• Lifestyle changes:
  • Reducing salt, caffeine, and alcohol, and staying hydrated can help manage vertigo, especially for conditions like Meniere’s disease.
• Treating the cause:
  • If an infection, migraine, or other condition is causing vertigo, treating that will often make the vertigo go away.
• Surgery:
  • In rare cases, surgery might be needed if other treatments don’t work.

What are the possible complications of Vertigo?

Vertigo problems can lead to complications such as sudden falls, which can result in bone fractures. These fractures can be particularly painful for the elderly. In addition, Vertigo side effects may include a deteriorating quality of life and an increased risk of injury from falls.

Vertigo during pregnancy

Vertigo during pregnancy can happen due to various reasons:

• Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy hormones can affect your inner ear and cause spinning sensations.
• Blood Flow Changes: Your blood volume increases during pregnancy, which can make you feel dizzy or off-balance.
• Dehydration and Low Blood Sugar: Not drinking enough water or skipping meals can lead to dizziness.
• Pressure from the Growing Uterus: As your belly grows, it can put pressure on your blood vessels and nerves, affecting your balance.
• Anemia: Pregnant women can develop anemia, which might make you feel dizzy.

What can trigger vertigo?

Vertigo can be caused by various balance problems, but the most common reason is benign positional paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV). BPPV occurs when tiny calcium deposits build up in your inner ear, which helps control balance.

Other causes include:

• Vestibular neuritis: Inflammation of the balance nerve, usually from a virus.
• Head or neck injuries: These can affect your balance.
• Labyrinthitis: Inflammation in the inner ear.
• Meniere’s disease: A condition affecting the inner ear.
• Mal de Debarquement syndrome: A rare condition that can follow activities like boat travel.
• Vestibular migraine: Migraines that affect your balance.

Some causes, like head or neck injuries, need medical attention. Others, like BPPV, can often be treated at home. Vertigo from an illness might go away on its own with rest.

When should I seek medical help for Vertigo?

If Vertigo symptoms occur frequently or persist without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical attention to identify and address the underlying cause.

When to call a doctor

You should call a doctor for vertigo if:

• The vertigo is severe or lasts a long time: If the dizziness is intense or doesn't go away after a few hours or days, it’s important to get checked out.
• You have other symptoms: If your vertigo comes with symptoms like a severe headache, fever, hearing loss, vision changes, or difficulty speaking or walking, it could be a sign of something more serious.
• You’re having frequent episodes: If vertigo keeps coming back, even if it’s mild, it’s worth talking to your doctor to find out what’s causing it.
• You’ve had a recent injury: If you’ve had a head injury or a fall and then start experiencing vertigo, you should see a doctor.

Treatment for Vertigo at home

It may not always be possible to avoid Vertigo, but it can be managed at home by following certain home remedies for Vertigo symptoms. These may include:

• Moving around or standing up slowly with support from others or using a staff.
• Avoiding spinning or triggering movements.
• Sleeping with the head elevated on a pillow for support.
• Lying down in a dark space or turning off the lights when experiencing Vertigo.
• Sitting down as soon as the dizzy sensation occurs.
• Practicing yoga, which may help manage Vertigo.
• Getting an adequate amount of sleep and managing stress, which may also reduce Vertigo symptoms.
• Women who experience Vertigo due to anemia may benefit from having a balanced diet rich in blood-producing supplements.
• Staying well-hydrated.

Essentials for Older People:

As people age, dizziness and vertigo become more common due to several factors:

• Inner Ear Changes: The parts of the inner ear that help with balance work less effectively.
• Vision Issues: It’s harder to see in low light.
• Slower Blood Pressure Response: The body’s ability to adjust blood pressure, like when standing up, slows down.
• Medication Side Effects: Older people are more likely to be on medications that can cause dizziness.

Dizziness and vertigo can be particularly troublesome for older adults. They are at a higher risk of falling and getting hurt, and even if they don’t fall, their fear of falling can limit their daily activities.

Medications for vertigo can make older people feel drowsy, and this effect can be more pronounced in them.

Physical therapy and exercises can be very helpful for older adults. They can strengthen muscles, improve balance, and provide safety tips to help prevent falls and maintain independence.

Conclusion

Vertigo is a common occurrence that can affect anyone. While it may not always be a cause for concern and can resolve on its own, prolonged Vertigo may indicate an underlying condition.

FAQs 

1. Can Vertigo be treated? 

Treatment for Vertigo may be determined according to the underlying cause. For common or non-serious causes of Vertigo, medication may be sufficient, or it may resolve on its own. Vertigo caused by serious conditions such as tumours may require surgical intervention. Consult your doctor if you are taking any homeopathic medicine for Vertigo.

2. Is Vertigo a chronic condition? 

Vertigo is not chronic, but it may become chronic if left untreated.

3. Can Vertigo be prevented? 

Vertigo in the elderly can be avoided by following the doctor's instructions and advice.

4. What medicines are used for Vertigo treatment? 

For the treatment of Vertigo, healthcare providers may recommend medication such as motion sickness medications or antihistamines.

5. What is the best home remedy for Vertigo? 

Consuming ginger with water, staying hydrated, and performing the Epley maneuver may provide relief from Vertigo.

6. Is vertigo a permanent condition?

No, vertigo is not always permanent. It often improves with treatment, but some people may experience it periodically.

7. What foods help with vertigo?

Eating a balanced diet can help manage vertigo. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, are beneficial. Staying hydrated is also important.

8. Can lack of sleep cause vertigo?

Yes, not getting enough sleep can contribute to feelings of dizziness or vertigo.

9. How long does vertigo last?

The duration of vertigo can vary. It may last from a few minutes to several days, depending on the cause. Some people have recurring episodes.

10. Is vertigo serious?

Vertigo itself is not usually serious, but it can be a sign of an underlying issue. If it’s severe or persistent, it’s important to see a doctor.

11. Is vertigo curable?

Vertigo can often be treated effectively, especially if the cause is identified. Treatments can help manage and reduce symptoms.

12. Why is vertigo worse at night?

Vertigo may seem worse at night due to changes in blood pressure, the body’s position, or darkness making symptoms more noticeable.

CARE Medical Team

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