Have you ever felt like the world around you is spinning, even while standing still? That unsettling sensation might be more than just lightheadedness—it could be vertigo. While many associate vertigo with dizziness, it is a specific medical condition that can severely impact daily life. From balance problems to nausea and blurred vision, vertigo can present in various ways.
In this comprehensive blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, types, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of vertigo to help you understand and manage this condition better.
What is Vertigo?
It is a sensation of spinning or movement, even when you’re stationary. It is a symptom—not a disease—that indicates a problem within the vestibular system, which includes parts of the inner ear and brain responsible for balance and eye movements.
Vertigo can be:
Subjective – when you feel like you are moving.
Objective – when it feels like the surroundings are moving.
It may be temporary or chronic and can range from mild to severe. It often leads to nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness, and difficulty walking.
Vertigo symptoms
Symptoms may come on suddenly or gradually and can last from a few seconds to several hours or longer, depending on the cause.
Most Common Symptoms Include:
Dizziness or spinning sensation
Loss of balance
Sweating
Limb weakness
Vision trouble
Slurred speech
Some people also experience panic attacks, fatigue, or anxiety due to repeated vertigo episodes.
What Causes Vertigo?
It is primarily caused by disorders of the inner ear or brain. The most common causes include:
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Caused by tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) becoming dislodged in the inner ear canals.
Triggered by head movements such as turning in bed or bending over.
2. Meniere’s Disease
A disorder of the inner ear causing vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear fullness.
Likely related to abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear.
3. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
Inflammation of the vestibular nerve (neuritis) or the inner ear (labyrinthitis), usually due to a viral infection.
Sudden and severe vertigo with nausea, vomiting, and imbalance.
4. Migrainous Vertigo
Associated with migraine headaches.
Episodes of vertigo may occur with or without head pain.
5. Acoustic Neuroma
A non-cancerous tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve.
Can cause imbalance, hearing loss, and vertigo.
6. Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Especially if vertigo is accompanied by slurred speech, limb weakness, or vision trouble.
Needs urgent medical evaluation.
7. Head Injuries
Trauma to the head can damage the inner ear or parts of the brain that control balance.
8. Other causes:
Certain medications (like ototoxic antibiotics)
Dehydration or sudden blood pressure changes
Types of Vertigo
It is generally classified into two major categories:
1. Peripheral Vertigo
Originates from the inner ear.
Examples: BPPV, Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis.
More common and usually less serious.
2. Central Vertigo
Originates from the brainstem or cerebellum.
Examples: Stroke, tumors, multiple sclerosis.
Often more severe and associated with neurological symptoms.
Diagnosis
A proper diagnosis requires a detailed history and physical examination. Sometimes, further testing is needed to identify the underlying cause.
Steps in Diagnosis:
1. Medical History
Onset, duration, triggers, associated symptoms like hearing loss, nausea, or headaches.
2. Physical Examination
Checking for nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).
Gait and balance assessments.
3. Dix-Hallpike Maneuver
A specific test to diagnose BPPV.
Helps recreate vertigo symptoms while observing eye movement.
4. Audiometric Tests
Hearing tests may help diagnose Meniere’s disease or acoustic neuroma.
5. Imaging Tests
MRI or CT scans to rule out tumors, stroke, or multiple sclerosis.
6. Blood Tests
To check for infection, inflammation, or vitamin deficiencies.
Vertigo treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For most types, symptoms can be managed with a combination of medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
1. Medications
Antihistamines: Meclizine or dimenhydrinate to reduce motion sickness.
Antiemetics: Like promethazine or ondansetron for nausea and vomiting.
Benzodiazepines: Such as diazepam for severe vertigo (short-term use only).
Diuretics: For Meniere’s disease to reduce inner ear fluid.
Corticosteroids: For vestibular neuritis or inflammation.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
A form of physical therapy to retrain the brain to process signals from the inner ear correctly.
Especially useful for chronic vertigo.
3. Canalith Repositioning Procedures (CRP)
Epley maneuver is used to treat BPPV.
Involves a series of head movements to shift dislodged crystals out of the inner ear canal.
4. Surgery
Rarely needed.
May be necessary for severe cases of Meniere’s disease, acoustic neuroma, or tumors.
5. Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Stay hydrated.
Avoid sudden head movements.
Sleep with your head slightly elevated.
Reduce salt and caffeine (especially for Meniere’s disease).
Avoid alcohol.
How to Manage Vertigo at Home
While medical treatment is key, self-care can make a big difference:
Lie still and rest during a vertigo attack.
Avoid bright lights or screens until symptoms improve.
Use a cane or walker if balance is impaired.
Hydrate well to avoid dehydration-induced dizziness.
Avoid driving or operating machinery until fully recovered.
When to Seek Medical Help
Immediate medical attention is needed if vertigo is accompanied by:
Sudden severe headache
Weakness or numbness in limbs
Double vision or difficulty speaking
Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Loss of consciousness
These may indicate a stroke or other neurological emergency.
Vertigo in the Elderly
Vertigo is particularly concerning in older adults due to the risk of falls and injuries. Common causes include BPPV, medication side effects, and reduced inner ear function. Evaluation and management are essential to maintain quality of life and independence.
Vertigo in Children
Though less common, vertigo in children can occur due to:
Migrainous vertigo
Inner ear infections
Motion sickness
Symptoms may present as unsteadiness, frequent falls, or reluctance to move. Pediatric assessment is crucial for proper diagnosis.
Prevention
While not all forms of the condition are preventable, some steps can reduce risk or recurrence:
Treat ear infections promptly.
Manage stress, which can worsen vertigo symptoms.
Avoid sudden head movements if prone to BPPV.
Follow a low-sodium diet for Meniere’s disease.
Exercise regularly to improve balance and circulation.
Prognosis and Outlook
The outlook for the condition largely depends on the underlying cause. For example:
BPPV often resolves with maneuvers like the Epley.
Vestibular neuritis may resolve within a few weeks.
Meniere’s disease may be chronic but manageable.
Central vertigo from stroke or MS requires long-term care.
Most patients improve with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes.
Vertigo is a complex and distressing symptom that affects many aspects of life. While it can be caused by something as simple as a benign inner ear disorder, it can also signal a more serious underlying condition. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are key to reducing its impact.
If you or a loved one is experiencing dizziness, imbalance, or recurring episodes of spinning, don’t ignore it. Medical evaluation is essential for identifying the root cause and restoring balance—both physically and in daily life.
To consult a Neurologist at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, call our helpline number 9830117733.
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Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
