Vertigo: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

What are the symptoms of vertigo?

Vertigo is characterized by a range of symptoms, primarily related to a sensation of spinning or movement. Common symptoms include:

• Spinning Sensation: A feeling that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning, even when you are stationary.
• Dizziness: A sensation of unsteadiness or lightheadedness.
• Balance Problems: Difficulty maintaining balance, which can lead to stumbling or difficulty walking.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling nauseous or experiencing vomiting due to the spinning sensation.
• Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ears, which can accompany vertigo in some cases.
• Hearing Loss: In some cases, vertigo may be associated with hearing loss, particularly if caused by inner ear issues.
• Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches along with vertigo.
• Visual Disturbances: Blurred vision or difficulty focusing, sometimes related to the spinning sensation.

Vertigo can be triggered or worsened by changes in head position, sudden movements, or specific positions. If you experience vertigo, especially if it’s severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms such as severe headache, difficulty speaking, or weakness, it’s important to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

What are the causes of vertigo?

Vertigo can arise from various underlying causes, often related to issues in the inner ear, brain, or both. Here are some common causes:

Inner Ear Causes:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear that disrupt the normal balance signals.
• Meniere’s Disease: A chronic condition characterized by fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
• Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear structures (labyrinth), often due to infection, which can cause vertigo and hearing loss.
• Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, usually caused by a viral infection, leading to vertigo and balance problems.

Central Nervous System Causes:

• Stroke: A disruption of blood flow to the brain can affect balance and lead to vertigo.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Migraines can sometimes cause vertigo or dizziness, even without a headache.
• Multiple Sclerosis: This chronic condition can affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to balance issues and vertigo.

Other Causes:

• Head or Neck Injury: Trauma to the head or neck can affect the inner ear or brain structures involved in balance.
• Medications: Certain medications can cause dizziness or vertigo as a side effect.
• Dehydration or Low Blood Pressure: Can lead to dizziness and a feeling of vertigo, especially when standing up quickly.

Less Common Causes:

• Tumors: Rarely, tumors such as acoustic neuroma (a noncancerous tumor on the vestibular nerve) can cause vertigo.
• Vestibular Schwannoma: A type of tumor that affects the balance and hearing nerves.

The cause of vertigo can often be determined through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment and management strategy.

What is the treatment for vertigo?

The treatment for vertigo depends on its underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

For Inner Ear Causes:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
• Epley Maneuver: A series of head and body movements to reposition dislodged crystals in the inner ear.
• Brandt-Daroff Exercises: Specific exercises to help reduce symptoms.
• Meniere’s Disease:
• Dietary Changes: Reducing salt intake to decrease fluid retention in the inner ear.
• Diuretics: Medications to reduce fluid buildup.
• Medications: Anti-nausea and anti-vertigo medications.
• Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuritis:
• Medications: Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, antiviral or antibiotic medications if an infection is present.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Exercises to help improve balance and reduce dizziness.

For Central Nervous System Causes:

• Stroke:
• Emergency Treatment: Immediate medical attention to address the stroke.
• Rehabilitation: Physical therapy and other rehabilitative services.
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo:
• Medications: Migraine-specific treatments, such as triptans or anti-nausea drugs.
• Lifestyle Changes: Identifying and avoiding migraine triggers.
• Multiple Sclerosis:
• Disease-Modifying Medications: To manage MS symptoms.
• Physical Therapy: To help with balance and coordination.

Other Approaches:

• Head or Neck Injury:
• Physical Therapy: To address any balance or movement issues resulting from the injury.
• Medications:
• Adjustment or Change: If vertigo is a side effect, adjusting or changing medications may help.
• Dehydration or Low Blood Pressure:
• Hydration: Ensuring adequate fluid intake.
• Dietary Adjustments: Increasing salt intake, if appropriate, to help with blood pressure.

General Management:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Exercises and therapies to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
• Avoiding Triggers: For conditions like Meniere’s disease or migraine-associated vertigo, avoiding known triggers may help.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Such as managing stress and ensuring proper sleep.

Consulting with a healthcare professional is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.