Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning. This feeling can be disconcerting and often disrupts daily activities. The experience of vertigo varies among individuals. It may be barely noticeable or so severe that it becomes difficult to maintain balance and perform routine tasks.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a symptom, not necessarily a disease itself. It points to a condition that affects the vestibular system, which includes organs that process sensory information involved with controlling balance and eye movements. People experiencing a vertigo attack may feel like they are tilting, swaying, or being pulled in one direction. The episodes can last for a few seconds or several minutes. Severe vertigo may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, sweating, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus). These associated symptoms can compound the disorienting nature of the main sensation.
What Are the Causes?
The origins of vertigo are often linked to a disturbance in the inner ear or the central nervous system. Several conditions are known to produce these symptoms. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a frequent cause. It occurs when tiny calcium particles clump up in the canals of the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. BPPV disrupts these signals, causing brief periods of vertigo, often triggered by specific changes in head position.
Meniere’s disease is another inner ear disorder that can lead to vertigo. It is believed to be caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the inner ear. This can result in episodes of vertigo along with tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear. Labyrinthitis is an inner ear problem usually related to an infection, such as a cold or flu. An infection causes inflammation in the inner ear around nerves that are central to the body’s sense of balance. The onset of vertigo from this condition can be sudden and intense.
How Is It Managed?
The approach to managing vertigo depends on its underlying cause. A healthcare professional will first work to identify the source of the symptom. Once a diagnosis is made, a tailored plan can be developed.
For BPPV, a common approach involves a series of specific head and body movements. When Meniere’s disease is the cause, management often focuses on lifestyle adjustments. This can include dietary changes to help lower pressure in the inner ear. Certain medications may also be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms during an attack.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is another option. This is a type of physical therapy aimed at helping to strengthen the vestibular system. The goal is to train other senses to compensate for the vertigo. Exercises may be customized for the individual to help improve balance and reduce the intensity of symptoms over time.
Consult a Medical Expert
Because vertigo is a symptom of various underlying conditions, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective management. A medical expert can perform a thorough evaluation. This may include a physical examination, hearing tests, and imaging studies to determine the specific cause of your vertigo.
