VERTIGO

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, where you feel like you or your surroundings are moving even when you're stationary. It's a symptom rather than a condition itself and is often associated with issues in the inner ear or brain. Here's an overview:

Types of Vertigo

  1. Peripheral Vertigo (Most common):

    • Caused by issues in the inner ear or vestibular system.
    • Examples: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Ménière’s disease, vestibular neuritis.

  2. Central Vertigo:

    • Originates from problems in the brainstem or cerebellum.
    • Examples: Stroke, multiple sclerosis, migraines, or brain tumors.

Causes

  1. Inner Ear Disorders:
    • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Dislodged crystals in the inner ear disrupt balance signals.
    • Ménière’s Disease: Fluid buildup in the inner ear, often accompanied by hearing loss and tinnitus.
    • Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often viral in origin.
  2. Neurological Causes:
    • Migraines.
    • Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
    • Brain injuries or tumors.
  3. Other Causes:
    • Head or neck injuries.
    • Medications (e.g., ototoxic drugs).
    • Anxiety or panic disorders.

Symptoms

  • A spinning sensation (you or your surroundings).
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Loss of balance or unsteadiness.
  • Nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements).
  • Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (in Ménière’s disease).

Diagnosis

  1. Medical History:
    • Detailed description of symptoms (onset, duration, triggers).
    • History of ear infections, head injuries, or migraines.
  2. Physical Exam:
    • Assessment of eye movements and balance.
  3. Specific Tests:
    • Dix-Hallpike Test: To diagnose BPPV.
    • Audiometry: Hearing tests for Ménière’s disease.
    • MRI or CT Scan: To rule out central causes like tumors or stroke.
    • Electronystagmography (ENG)/Videonystagmography (VNG): Tests inner ear and eye movements.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause:

  1. Vertigo can be treated successfully with Homoeopathic medicines

  2. For Central Causes:

    • Treatment focuses on the underlying condition (e.g., stroke management or migraine therapy).

  3. Physical Therapy:

    • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Exercises to improve balance and reduce symptoms.

Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes

  • Avoid sudden head movements or changes in position.
  • Sit or lie down during episodes to prevent falls.
  • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or caffeine.
  • Use supportive footwear to prevent slips.

When to Seek Medical Attention

  • Vertigo persists or worsens.
  • Sudden hearing loss or tinnitus.
  • Associated with severe headache, vision changes, or difficulty speaking (signs of a stroke).
  • Frequent, unexplained episodes.