Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness or spinning, which can be caused by a variety of conditions. Here's a breakdown of the symptoms, causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of vertigo:
Symptoms:
- A feeling of spinning or whirling
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sweating
- Headache
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Hearing loss
Causes:
- Inner ear problems: the most common cause of vertigo is due to problems in the inner ear, which regulates balance and spatial orientation.
- Meniere's disease: a disorder of the inner ear that causes vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss.
- Vestibular neuritis: inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain.
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): caused by a problem with the crystals (otoconia) in the inner ear that sense gravity and movement.
- Migraine: vertigo can be a symptom of migraine headaches.
- Certain medications: some medications can cause vertigo as a side effect.
Prevention:
- Avoid sudden head movements
- Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress
- Avoid activities that require a lot of head movement
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Get enough sleep
- Treat underlying medical conditions
Diagnosis:
- Physical examination: a doctor may examine your ears and eyes and test your balance and coordination.
- Medical history: the doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking.
- Imaging tests: such as a CT scan or MRI may be ordered to rule out other possible causes.
Treatment:
- Canalith repositioning maneuvers: a series of head movements that can reposition the crystals in the inner ear that cause BPPV.
- Medications: such as antihistamines or anti-nausea medications.
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: a type of physical therapy that can help improve balance and reduce symptoms.
- Surgery: in rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a problem in the inner ear.
- Treating underlying medical conditions: if vertigo is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as Meniere's disease or migraine, treating that condition can help relieve symptoms.