A Complete Guide to Managing Vertigo Symptoms and Causes
Learn about vertigo, its common causes like BPPV, Meniere’s disease, and inner ear infections. Discover effective treatments ranging from exercises to medications, and when surgical options may be necessary. This comprehensive guide helps you understand symptoms, triggers, and management strategies for vertigo.
Vertigo is a sensation that makes you feel as if you or your environment are spinning, even when you are still. It can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating, or difficulty walking. Often, symptoms worsen with head movement.
What triggers vertigo?
Various conditions can lead to vertigo, mostly involving inner ear issues. Common causes include:
- BPPV: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo occurs when tiny calcium crystals build up in the ear canals, disrupting balance signals sent to the brain.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: These involve inflammation of inner ear nerves that help maintain balance.
- Meniere’s Disease: An inner ear disorder marked by fluid buildup causing vertigo, ringing, and hearing loss.
- Physiologic Vertigo: Often caused by prolonged motion, such as on ships or spinning with eyes closed.
Other causes include exposure to toxins like carbon monoxide, alcohol, or certain medications. Vertigo issues stem from problems in the vestibular system, with other dizziness types including presyncope and disequilibrium.
How is vertigo treated?
Treatment varies with the underlying cause. In many cases, vertigo resolves without specific treatment. Options include:
- Vestibular Rehabilitation: Exercises designed to strengthen the inner ear balance system.
- Canalith Repositioning: Specific head and body movements to move calcium crystals out of the ear canals, especially for BPPV. Symptoms might temporarily worsen during these procedures.
- Medications: Used to relieve symptoms like nausea or dizziness, and to treat infections or inflammation with antimicrobials or steroids.
- Surgical Interventions: In severe cases involving tumors or injuries, surgery may be necessary to address the root problem and alleviate vertigo.
Disclaimer: Our articles provide general information to enhance understanding. They are not substitutes for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of vertigo or related issues.
