Vertigo can be a disorienting and distressing sensation often described as feeling like you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when there is no actual movement. It's typically caused by problems in the inner ear or the brain, and can have various underlying causes. Here's a breakdown:
Causes:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by small calcium particles floating in the inner ear canals, affecting balance.
Meniere's disease: Inner ear disorder causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear due to infection, usually viral.
Migraine-associated vertigo: A type of vertigo often accompanied by migraines.
Head injuries or trauma: Can disrupt the inner ear, vestibular nerve, or brain areas that process balance signals.
Certain medications: Some medications can cause temporary or permanent damage to the inner ear or the balance centers of the brain.
Symptoms:
Spinning sensation: Feeling like you or your surroundings are spinning or moving.
Nausea and vomiting: Often triggered by the severe dizziness.
Balance problems: Difficulty maintaining balance and walking.
Nystagmus: Involuntary eye movements, usually horizontal, that accompany vertigo.
Sweating: Often occurs with vertigo attacks.
Hearing loss or ringing in the ears: In conditions like Meniere's disease.
Treatments:
Canalith repositioning maneuvers: Techniques to move the calcium particles causing BPPV out of the inner ear canals.
Medications: Such as antihistamines, antiemetics (to control nausea), or vestibular suppressants.
Vestibular rehabilitation: A type of physical therapy aimed at improving balance and reducing dizziness.
Surgery: In severe cases or when other treatments fail, surgery might be an option to correct inner ear problems.
Lifestyle changes: Avoiding triggers like caffeine, alcohol, and certain foods, and managing stress can help control vertigo in some cases.
It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific condition.
