Vertigo refers to a feeling or sensation in which an individual feels dizzy and feels like the environment or room is moving in which they are present. Feeling dizzy and vertigo is not the same thing. Dizziness can occasionally happen due to other factors, but vertigo attacks occur more often under certain circumstances, such as looking down from heights.
There are two basic types of vertigos: peripheral vertigo and central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo refers to the kind of vertigo that is caused due to a problem in the inner part of the ear or the vestibular nerve. Central Vertigo refers to the type of vertigo that is caused by any problem in the cerebellum.
What are the symptoms of vertigo?
Vertigo makes an individual feel dizzy, and they feel like everything is spinning around. Many individuals think a few other symptoms as well simultaneously, including:
- Difficulty balancing
- Nausea
- Feeling like vomiting
- Sweating
- Headache
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty hearing
- Weak limbs
What causes Vertigo?
- Labyrinthitis
- Vestibular neuritis
- Cholesteatoma
- Meniere’s disease
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- Migraines
- Any injury in the head
- Any damage or surgery of the ear
Any problem primarily causes vertigo in the inner part of the ear or any situation in the central nervous system (CNS).
How is Vertigo treated?
The treatment of vertigo depends on the underlying which has caused of it. However, many individuals do not require many treatments other than a few lifestyle changes and antibiotics.
Some lifestyle changes to treat vertigo:
- Sitting down immediately when you start feeling dizzy
- If the spinning/dizziness is severe, you can lye down on the bed with lights turned off
- Getting up from bed slowly
- Avoid fast movements; when getting up from bed, walking on stairs or heights
If you have frequent vertigo attacks and it causes a significant disruption in your regular activities, consult a doctor immediately.
