Vertigo

Vertigo – A Sensation of Spinning 

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning and this feeling could be slight and barely noticeable or it could be so severe that one would find it difficult to maintain their balance and perform the daily routine functions. If the person experiences dizzy spells, they would have the feeling that the world is spinning around.

Vertigo attacks could occur suddenly and last for a few seconds or it could last much longer. If the symptoms tend to be severe, it could be constant, lasting for several days, making it difficult to lead a normal life. Some of the symptoms associated with vertigo could include – nausea or vomiting, light-headedness and loss of balance which could make it difficult to stand or walk.

It could be triggered by a change in the position of the head and experience a feeling of spinning, titling, swaying, unbalanced or pulled to one direction. Other symptoms could also include abnormal or jerking eye movement, sweating, headache and ringing in the ears or hearing loss.

Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo is often the result of an inner ear problem which may include BPPV – Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo which occurs when tiny calcium particles or canaliths clump up in canals of the inner ear and the inner ear sends signals to the brain regarding head and body movements related to gravity which helps to maintain the balance.

BPPV could occur for unknown reasons and could be associated with age. It could also be due to Meniere disease, an inner ear disorder which could be caused by an accumulation of fluid and changing pressure in the ear leading to vertigo together with ringing in the ears and hearing loss.

Another cause is vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis which is also an inner ear problem related to infection, usually viral, causing inflammation in the inner ear around the nerves which are helpful for the overall balance of the body. In rare cases, vertigo could also be associated with head or neck injury, brain problems like a tumour or stroke, migraine headaches and certain medication causing ear damage.

Treating Vertigo

Treatment would depend on the cause of vertigo and in most cases; it tends to go away without the need of any treatment. This is due to the fact that the brain is capable of adapting in some ways to the inner ear changes, relying on other mechanisms in maintaining balance.

In other cases, treatment may include vestibular rehabilitation which is a form of physical therapy focused in helping to strengthen the vestibular system. The vestibular system functions by sending signals to the brain regarding head and body movements with regards to gravity.

Several people suffering from vertigo tend to benefit from vestibular rehabilitation training – VRT that are provided by trained therapist who helps the brain to adapt to the confusing signals from the ear causing vertigo and reduces the symptoms. Other medications too help to relieve episodes of vertigo which are useful in the early stages and should not be taken on long term.

If a person experiences recurrent or persistent signs of vertigo, the need to consult a physician is essential to begin with timely treatment.