Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. This condition is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance. Vertigo is frequently referred to as dizziness. However, not every case of dizziness is vertigo. In vertigo, episodes can be mild or severe enough to prevent someone from performing daily tasks.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
The first step in diagnosing vertigo is to have the patient describe the sensation they are experiencing. Tests related to the central nervous system and the inner ear are conducted to identify the underlying cause. If there is suspicion of insufficient blood flow to the brain, Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography (MRI), or catheter angiography may be performed. Treatment is planned based on the diagnosis.
What Are the Causes of Vertigo?
Vertigo mainly results from issues in the central nervous system or the inner ear. The most common type of vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This type of vertigo causes intense dizziness lasting 15 seconds to a few minutes, usually following a head movement. It can occur when turning over in bed or nodding the head up and down, and is commonly seen in older adults. Respiratory diseases and reduced blood flow to the head can contribute to this condition. While the symptoms are uncomfortable, BPPV is a benign disorder and usually does not require treatment. Vertigo should not be confused with classic headaches or depression.
For example, someone dissatisfied with their appearance might consider multiple hair transplants, wondering about the psychological impact of their looks, but psychological effects alone do not cause vertigo.
Vertigo can also occur due to inner ear inflammation called labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, usually caused by viruses. Common culprits include flu, measles, rubella, herpes, mumps, polio, hepatitis, and EBV viruses. Hearing loss may accompany dizziness.
Another condition associated with vertigo is Meniere’s disease. In addition to vertigo, Meniere’s disease involves tinnitus and hearing loss. It progresses in cycles of attacks and remission. Although the exact cause is unknown, head trauma, viruses, genetics, and allergies are thought to be factors.
An acoustic neuroma is a type of tumor affecting the inner ear’s nerve tissue and can result in vertigo along with tinnitus and hearing loss. Vertigo can also occur due to blocked brain blood vessels or a stroke. Another illness associated with vertigo is multiple sclerosis (MS). Vertigo can develop after head injuries and neck trauma. Diabetes, low blood sugar, anxiety, and panic disorders are other potential causes of vertigo.
What Are the Symptoms of Vertigo?
In vertigo, the individual perceives that they or their surroundings are spinning. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abnormal eye movements, and sweating often accompany vertigo. Hearing loss and tinnitus can also occur. Visual disturbances, difficulty walking, and altered consciousness may accompany the symptoms. The issues that appear alongside vertigo vary depending on the underlying cause.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo can result from various health issues that lead to balance problems and dizziness. One of the most common causes involves inner ear problems. These include Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, inner ear infections, and displaced ear crystals in the inner ear. Additionally, neurological issues like migraines, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, problems with brain blood vessels, or side effects of certain medications can also trigger vertigo.
What Helps with Vertigo?
The treatment for vertigo depends on identifying the underlying cause. Treatment options vary based on the reason for the vertigo. Inner ear issues like BPPV can sometimes be treated with specific maneuvers. Meniere’s disease may require dietary changes, medications, and sometimes surgery. For migraine-induced vertigo, migraine medications may be prescribed. Neurological vertigo cases require addressing the root cause.
How to Overcome Vertigo?
Treatment differs depending on the patient’s condition. Positional maneuvers like the Epley maneuver or Brandt-Daroff exercises can relieve symptoms, especially for inner ear-related vertigo. Medications can control vertigo caused by inner ear conditions such as Meniere’s disease. Treatable cases of vertigo can be resolved with appropriate treatment. However, due to varying causes, the duration of vertigo may differ for each individual.
What Are the Symptoms of Neurological Vertigo?
Neurological vertigo arises from issues within the brain or the nervous system. Symptoms typically include dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, and vomiting. Rarely, neurological vertigo may involve symptoms usually related to the inner ear, such as tinnitus, hearing loss, or ear pressure. When diagnosed with neurological vertigo, determining the cause and implementing suitable treatment options is essential.
How Long Does Vertigo Last?
The duration of vertigo depends on the underlying cause and the treatment. Some positional vertigo types, like BPPV, are generally short-lived, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes. Other inner ear problems or neurological vertigo may persist longer. Treatable vertigo cases can see a reduction in duration with proper treatment, though some chronic cases may require ongoing management. The duration of vertigo varies for each person, so a medical professional should evaluate your condition.
When to See a Doctor for Vertigo?
You should seek medical attention if vertigo is accompanied by:
- Double vision
- Difficulty speaking
- Headache
- Weakness in the arms or legs
- Loss of balance
- Loss of consciousness
How is Vertigo Treated?
Vertigo treatment depends on the underlying condition. If there’s a middle ear infection, antibiotics are used. Surgical intervention may be necessary for persistent ear infections. In Meniere’s disease, patients follow a low-salt diet and take diuretics. BPPV often resolves on its own within a few weeks or months. Doctors can perform positional maneuvers on patients with BPPV. In rare, severe cases that do not improve, surgery targeting the inner ear may be considered. Patients with BPPV should avoid sudden head movements, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and avoid heights or hazardous equipment. Physical therapy is also part of vertigo treatment. During vertigo treatment, avoiding caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertigo
What Should You Do During a Vertigo Attack?
Firstly, it’s crucial to stay calm. Sit or lie down slowly to minimize the risk of falling. Try to focus your eyes on a fixed point and avoid moving your head. Take deep, slow breaths to relax. If the episode is severe or prolonged, contact a healthcare professional. Some positional maneuvers can be done at home during a vertigo attack, but it’s best to consult a doctor beforehand.
What Are Vertigo Exercises?
Positional maneuvers like the Epley maneuver, Semont maneuver, and Brandt-Daroff exercises are exercises used in treating positional vertigo (BPPV). These exercises can help correct displaced crystals in the inner ear. Always consult a doctor before attempting these exercises.
What Are the Symptoms of Stress-Related Vertigo?
Symptoms of stress-induced vertigo can include dizziness, loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. Stress can increase the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes. Managing stress may help alleviate these symptoms.
Does Vertigo Cause Headaches?
Vertigo itself does not cause headaches, but some individuals may experience headaches along with dizziness. This is especially common in those who suffer from migraines, where dizziness and headaches occur together. If you experience simultaneous dizziness and headaches, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.
What Foods Trigger Vertigo?
Foods rarely trigger vertigo. However, in some cases, high salt intake can exacerbate vertigo symptoms linked to inner ear issues. Controlling salt intake and maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for inner ear health.
What Are the Symptoms of Psychological Vertigo?
Psychological vertigo is often related to psychological conditions like anxiety or panic disorder. Symptoms include dizziness, loss of balance, sweating, palpitations, and rapid breathing. Psychotherapy, medications, and stress management can help manage these symptoms.
What Should Vertigo Patients Avoid?
Vertigo patients should take precautions to remain safe and balanced. Avoid risky activities during a vertigo episode, such as driving, climbing stairs, or turning quickly. Do not take any medication without a doctor’s advice, and consult a healthcare professional for any significant worsening or ongoing symptoms.