Medically Reviewed by Dr Itender Pal Singh
Vertigo is a balance disorder where individuals feel a spinning or moving sensation, either personally or in their surroundings. This unsettling symptom, often mistaken for general dizziness, is commonly caused by issues in the inner ear or brain. Although most causes of vertigo aren’t life-threatening, its episodes can vary from brief moments to lasting days. Around 7% of adults aged 18-79 report experiencing it, with women being 2-3 times more likely to develop it than men.
In This Article-
Types of Vertigo: Peripheral vs. Central
Peripheral
Peripheral vertigo stems from issues in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve, responsible for maintaining balance. Common triggers include:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Occurs due to calcium crystals in the inner ear canals, disrupting balance signals. Episodes usually last a few minutes.
Labyrinthitis: Inner ear inflammation, often from viral infections, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and nausea.
Ménière Disease: Linked to fluid pressure in the inner ear, causing severe vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing issues.
Vestibular Neuronitis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, resulting in prolonged vertigo episodes.
Central
This type originates from the brain stem or cerebellum, which are crucial for balance. Causes include:
Vestibular Migraines: A common trigger for recurring vertigo linked to migraines.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disorder affecting the brain and spinal cord, leading to balance and coordination problems.
Brain Stem Stroke: Involves the part of the brain controlling balance and accounts for 15% of all strokes.
Recognizing the Symptoms
It manifests as more than just dizziness. Key symptoms include:
A spinning sensation (either personal or environmental).
Nausea and vomiting during severe episodes.
Loss of balance, making standing or walking difficult.
Nystagmus: Uncontrolled eye movements.
Additional signs in central vertigo include slurred speech, confusion, and muscle weakness.
Why It Happens: The Underlying Causes
Peripheral Causes
- Calcium Crystal Movement (BPPV): Misplaced crystals in inner ear canals send incorrect balance signals to the brain.
- Inner Ear Infections: Viral infections causing labyrinthitis or neuronitis disrupt balance.
- Ménière Disease: Excessive inner ear fluid pressure triggers vertigo episodes.
- Medication Side Effects: Some antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and aspirin can harm the vestibular system.
Central Causes
- Vestibular Migraines: Episodes often accompany headaches or sensory changes.
- Alcohol Consumption: Alters balance by suppressing vestibular signals.
- Neurological Conditions: Strokes and MS damage areas controlling balance.
Diagnosis
Identifying the cause of vertigo involves detailed evaluations, including:
- Physical Examination: Doctors check balance, eye movements, and neurological function.
- Imaging Tests: CT scans or MRIs detect structural brain issues.
- Specialized Tests:
Electronystagmography: Measures eye movements to assess balance.
Head-Thrust Test: Detects abnormalities in the inner ear canals.
Caloric Stimulation: Uses temperature changes to evaluate nerve function.
Treatment Options
Immediate Relief Strategies
Lie still in a dark room to minimize spinning sensations.
Avoid sudden head movements.
Stay hydrated and take deep breaths during mild episodes.
Medical Interventions
- BPPV-Specific Maneuvers:
Epley Maneuver: A series of guided head movements to reposition calcium crystals.
- Medication: Anti-nausea drugs can alleviate severe vertigo symptoms.
- Physical Therapy: Balance exercises strengthen muscles and improve stability.
- Surgery: Rarely required, typically reserved for severe, treatment-resistant cases.
Preventing Vertigo Episodes
While it can’t be permanently cured, these strategies reduce episode frequency:
Avoid Sudden Movements: Minimize rapid head turns or position changes.
Maintain a Healthy Diet: Include Vitamin D to prevent deficiencies linked to BPPV.
Stay Physically Active: Exercises like yoga or tai chi improve balance.
Track Triggers: Keep a journal to identify specific vertigo triggers.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Vertigo can sometimes signal serious health issues. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Persistent vomiting or fainting.
Sudden weakness or inability to move a limb.
Severe headaches or chest pain.
Complications of Untreated Vertigo
Ignoring it may lead to significant lifestyle disruptions, including:
Increased risk of falls and injuries.
Difficulty driving or performing daily tasks.
Potential progression of underlying health conditions like strokes.
Though unsettling, it is often manageable with proper care. Whether it’s through physical therapy, dietary adjustments, or specialized treatments like the Epley maneuver, understanding your triggers and symptoms is key to finding relief. Consult a healthcare provider for persistent or severe episodes to rule out underlying health concerns.
Take control of your health by staying active, eating well, and recognizing the signs of vertigo before it disrupts your life.
SOURCES
We have a very strict reviewing guidelines on how to run every article in the website. Everything we write follow a very strict reviewing process by following high quality peer-reviewed studies. Every source we follow are credible and accurate and again reviewed by our doctors to give you all high quality advise and content.
Harrison Manual Of Internal Medicine
Johns Hopkins Medicine: “BPPV.”
Vestibular Disorders Association: “Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis.”
Hilton, M.P. Cochrane Summaries.
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