Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or movement, either of oneself or the surrounding environment, when no actual movement is occurring. Vertigo is a symptom of various conditions related to the inner ear or the brain, and can significantly impact an individual's balance and orientation. The experience can be classified into two types: objective vertigo, in which the person feels the external world is spinning, and subjective vertigo, in which the individual perceives themselves as spinning.

Vertigo

Causes

Vertigo can be caused by several factors, including disorders of the inner ear, central nervous system, or certain medications. Some common causes include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere's disease
• Labyrinthitis
• Vestibular neuritis
• Migraine-associated vertigo
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke
• Acoustic neuroma
• Head injury

Symptoms

In addition to the sensation of spinning or movement, vertigo may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Visual disturbances
• Headaches
• Weakness or numbness

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of vertigo. This may involve:

• Patient history and physical examination
• Dix-Hallpike maneuver or other positional testing for BPPV
• Hearing tests
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans
• Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG) tests to evaluate inner ear function

Treatment

Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, for BPPV
• Medications to alleviate symptoms, including anti-vertigo, anti-nausea, and diuretics
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy to improve balance and coordination
• Dietary modifications and stress reduction for Meniere's disease
• Surgical intervention in cases of acoustic neuroma or severe Meniere's disease

Prevention

Some preventive measures for vertigo include:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet
• Managing stress levels
• Avoiding triggers such as certain foods, medications, or activities that may provoke vertigo symptoms
• Seeking prompt medical attention for ear infections or other underlying conditions

Summary

Illusion of movement. Illusion is a sensation that the external world is revolving around an individual (objective vertigo) or that the individual is revolving in space (subjective vertigo).

Vertigo Resources
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