What are the common symptoms that indicate vertigo. How does vertigo affect balance and spatial orientation. When should you seek medical attention for vertigo symptoms. What are the potential causes of recurring vertigo episodes. How is vertigo diagnosed and treated by medical professionals.

Understanding Vertigo: More Than Just Dizziness

Vertigo is often misunderstood as simple dizziness, but it’s a distinct and often debilitating condition. It’s characterized by a false sensation of spinning or movement, even when a person is perfectly still. To better comprehend this condition, it’s crucial to recognize its key indicators.

The Top 10 Signs of Vertigo: What to Watch For

Identifying vertigo early can lead to faster treatment and relief. Here are the ten most common signs to be aware of:

1. Spinning sensation
2. Loss of balance
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Headache
5. Sweating
6. Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
7. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
8. Hearing loss
9. Difficulty focusing or concentrating
10. Feeling of fullness in the ear

Is vertigo always accompanied by all these symptoms? Not necessarily. The severity and combination of symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on the underlying cause of vertigo.

Spinning Sensation: The Hallmark of Vertigo

The most characteristic sign of vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. This can be mild, feeling like slight dizziness, or severe, making it impossible to maintain balance or perform daily activities. Why does this happen? The spinning sensation occurs due to a mismatch between the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems that normally work together to maintain our sense of balance and spatial orientation.

Balance Issues: When the World Feels Unsteady

Loss of balance is another primary indicator of vertigo. People experiencing vertigo often feel unsteady on their feet, as if they’re about to fall. This can manifest as:

• Difficulty walking in a straight line
• Stumbling or staggering
• Needing to hold onto objects for support
• Feeling pulled to one side

How does vertigo affect balance so profoundly? The vestibular system in the inner ear, which is responsible for our sense of balance, can be disrupted by various factors causing vertigo. This disruption leads to conflicting signals being sent to the brain about the body’s position in space, resulting in balance problems.

Nausea and Vomiting: The Uncomfortable Companions

Many people with vertigo experience nausea, often accompanied by vomiting. These symptoms can range from mild queasiness to severe, prolonged bouts of sickness. Why do these gastric symptoms occur with a balance disorder? The connection lies in the close relationship between the vestibular system and the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting. When the vestibular system is not functioning correctly, it can trigger these unpleasant symptoms.

Managing Nausea Associated with Vertigo

Dealing with nausea can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help:

• Stay hydrated with small, frequent sips of water
• Eat light, bland foods when able
• Avoid sudden movements
• Try ginger tea or ginger supplements, known for their anti-nausea properties
• Consider anti-nausea medications prescribed by a doctor

Headache and Vertigo: A Common Duo

Headaches frequently accompany vertigo, ranging from mild tension-type headaches to severe migraines. In some cases, vertigo can be a symptom of a particular type of migraine known as vestibular migraine. How are headaches and vertigo connected? The exact relationship is complex and not fully understood, but it’s believed that the same neural pathways involved in balance and spatial orientation also play a role in headache disorders.

Distinguishing Between Different Types of Vertigo-Related Headaches

Understanding the nature of your headache can provide clues about the underlying cause of vertigo:

• Tension headaches: Often feel like a tight band around the head
• Migraine headaches: Usually one-sided, pulsating, and accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound
• Cervicogenic headaches: Pain originating from the neck and radiating to the head, often associated with certain neck movements

Abnormal Eye Movements: Nystagmus Explained

One of the more visible signs of vertigo is abnormal eye movements, medically termed nystagmus. This involuntary eye movement can be horizontal, vertical, or rotatory. What causes these unusual eye movements? Nystagmus in vertigo is typically a result of the vestibular system sending incorrect signals to the neural structures that control eye movements. This leads to a mismatch between visual input and the brain’s perception of movement.

Types of Nystagmus Associated with Vertigo

Different types of nystagmus can indicate various underlying causes of vertigo:

• Horizontal nystagmus: Often seen in vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
• Vertical nystagmus: May indicate a central nervous system disorder
• Rotatory nystagmus: Common in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Hearing Changes: When Vertigo Affects Your Ears

Vertigo can sometimes be accompanied by changes in hearing, including tinnitus (ringing in the ears) or hearing loss. These symptoms are particularly common in conditions affecting the inner ear, such as Ménière’s disease. How are hearing and balance connected? The cochlea (responsible for hearing) and the vestibular system (responsible for balance) are both located in the inner ear and share the same fluid environment, explaining why disorders affecting one can often impact the other.

Distinguishing Between Different Types of Hearing Changes

The nature of hearing changes can provide clues about the underlying cause of vertigo:

• Fluctuating hearing loss: Often seen in Ménière’s disease
• Sudden hearing loss: Can occur in vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
• Tinnitus without hearing loss: May be associated with vestibular migraine

Cognitive Effects: Vertigo’s Impact on Mental Clarity

While often overlooked, vertigo can significantly affect cognitive function. Many people with vertigo report difficulty focusing, concentrating, or feeling mentally “foggy.” Why does vertigo affect cognitive function? The brain dedicates significant resources to maintaining balance and spatial orientation. When these systems are disrupted, it can impact overall cognitive performance, leading to difficulties in attention, memory, and information processing.

Strategies for Managing Cognitive Symptoms

Dealing with the cognitive effects of vertigo can be challenging, but there are strategies that can help:

• Practice mindfulness or meditation to improve focus
• Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Use memory aids like notes or smartphone apps
• Ensure adequate rest and avoid overexertion
• Discuss cognitive symptoms with your healthcare provider, as they may be able to recommend specific interventions or treatments

When to Seek Medical Attention for Vertigo

While occasional mild dizziness is common and often harmless, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. When should you see a doctor for vertigo symptoms? Consider seeking medical help if:

• Vertigo is severe or prolonged
• You experience sudden, severe headache along with vertigo
• Vertigo is accompanied by difficulty speaking, visual changes, or weakness
• You have sudden hearing loss
• Vertigo occurs after a head injury
• You experience recurrent episodes of vertigo

Can vertigo be a sign of a more serious condition? In some cases, yes. While most causes of vertigo are benign, it can occasionally be a symptom of more serious conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors. This is why it’s important to have persistent or severe vertigo evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Diagnosing Vertigo: What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office

When you visit a doctor for vertigo symptoms, they will likely perform a series of examinations and tests to determine the underlying cause. What does the diagnostic process for vertigo typically involve?

• Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, their duration, and any associated factors.
• Physical examination: This may include checking your blood pressure, heart rate, and performing a neurological exam.
• Balance tests: Simple tests to assess your balance and coordination.
• Eye movement tests: To check for nystagmus and other abnormal eye movements.
• Hearing tests: To check for any associated hearing loss.
• Imaging studies: In some cases, MRI or CT scans may be ordered to rule out central nervous system causes.

How long does it typically take to diagnose vertigo? The time frame can vary depending on the complexity of the case. Some causes of vertigo can be diagnosed in a single visit, while others may require multiple appointments and tests.

Treatment Options for Vertigo: Finding Relief

The treatment for vertigo depends on its underlying cause. What are the common treatment approaches for vertigo?

• Vestibular rehabilitation: A type of physical therapy that helps train your brain to compensate for balance problems.
• Canalith repositioning procedures: Specific head movements to treat BPPV by repositioning displaced crystals in the inner ear.
• Medications: Various drugs can help manage vertigo symptoms, including anti-nausea medications, diuretics, and anti-anxiety drugs.
• Lifestyle modifications: These may include dietary changes, stress reduction techniques, and avoiding triggers.
• Surgery: In rare cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Is vertigo curable? Many causes of vertigo are treatable, and symptoms often improve significantly with appropriate management. However, some conditions causing vertigo may be chronic and require ongoing management.

Self-Care Strategies for Managing Vertigo

While professional medical care is crucial for managing vertigo, there are several self-care strategies that can help alleviate symptoms:

• Move slowly and carefully, especially when changing positions
• Use good lighting when getting up at night
• Sit down immediately when feeling dizzy
• Use a cane or walker for added stability if necessary
• Avoid triggers such as certain head positions or movements
• Practice relaxation techniques to manage stress, which can exacerbate vertigo

Living with Vertigo: Coping Strategies and Support

Dealing with vertigo can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, many people successfully manage their condition. How can you improve your quality of life while living with vertigo?

• Educate yourself about your specific condition
• Communicate openly with family, friends, and coworkers about your needs
• Make necessary modifications to your home and workplace to ensure safety
• Join support groups to connect with others experiencing similar challenges
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise (as approved by your doctor) and a balanced diet
• Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation or yoga
• Stay consistent with your treatment plan and follow-up appointments

Can vertigo impact mental health? Yes, living with a chronic condition like vertigo can sometimes lead to anxiety or depression. It’s important to address these issues with your healthcare provider, as they can significantly impact your overall well-being and ability to manage vertigo.

Preventing Vertigo: Is It Possible?

While not all cases of vertigo can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or minimize the frequency of episodes. What are some strategies for preventing vertigo?

• Maintain good hydration, especially in hot weather or during exercise
• Manage underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
• Practice good sleep hygiene to ensure adequate rest
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Be cautious with medications that can cause dizziness as a side effect
• Perform balance exercises regularly (under guidance from a healthcare professional)

Can dietary changes help prevent vertigo? In some cases, yes. For example, people with Ménière’s disease may benefit from reducing salt intake. It’s always best to consult with your healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes.

The Future of Vertigo Treatment: Emerging Research and Therapies

Research into vertigo and balance disorders is ongoing, with scientists continually working to develop new and more effective treatments. What are some promising areas of research in vertigo treatment?

• Gene therapy for inherited vestibular disorders
• Advanced vestibular implants to restore balance function
• Targeted drug delivery systems for inner ear disorders
• Virtual reality-based rehabilitation techniques
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic and molecular profiles

How might these advances change the landscape of vertigo treatment in the future? While it’s difficult to predict with certainty, these developments hold the potential to provide more precise, effective, and personalized treatments for individuals suffering from vertigo. As research progresses, we may see significant improvements in both the management of symptoms and the targeting of underlying causes of vertigo.

Understanding the signs of vertigo is crucial for early recognition and effective management of this challenging condition. By being aware of these symptoms and seeking appropriate medical care, individuals can take important steps towards regaining their balance and improving their quality of life. Remember, while vertigo can be disorienting and sometimes frightening, with proper diagnosis and treatment, many people successfully manage their symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Vertigo causes & treatment – Illnesses & conditions

Treatment for vertigo depends on the cause and severity of your symptoms.

During a vertigo attack, lying still in a quiet, darkened room may help to ease any symptoms of nausea and reduce the sensation of spinning. You may be advised to take medication.

You should also try to avoid stressful situations, as anxiety can make the symptoms of vertigo worse.

Read more about what to do if you’re struggling with stress

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear infection that causes the labyrinth (a delicate structure deep inside your ear) to become inflamed. It’s usually caused by a viral infection and clears up on its own without treatment. In rare cases, where labyrinthitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

If you’ve experienced any hearing loss, your GP may refer you to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist or an audiovestibular physician. This is a doctor who specialises in hearing and balance disorders. You may need emergency treatment to restore your hearing.

Labyrinthitis may also be treated with vestibular rehabilitation – also called vestibular rehabilitation training or VRT (see below).

See treating labyrinthitis for more information

Vestibular neuronitis

Vestibular neuronitis, also known as vestibular neuritis, is inflammation of the vestibular nerve (one of the nerves in your ear that’s used for balance). It’s usually caused by a viral infection.

The symptoms of vestibular neuronitis often get better without treatment over several weeks. However, you may need to rest in bed if your symptoms are severe. See your GP if your symptoms get worse or don’t start to improve after a week.

You may find your balance is particularly affected if you:

• drink alcohol
• are tired
• have another illness

Avoiding these can help to improve your condition.

Vestibular neuronitis can also be treated with vestibular rehabilitation and medication.

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Like vestibular neuronitis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) often clears up without treatment after several weeks or months. It’s thought that the small fragments of debris in the ear canal that cause vertigo either dissolve or become lodged in a place where they no longer cause symptoms. BPPV can sometimes return.

Until the symptoms disappear or the condition is treated, you should:

• get out of bed slowly
• avoid activities that involve looking upwards, such as painting and decorating or looking for something on a high shelf

BPPV can be treated using a procedure called the Epley manoeuvre.

The Epley manoeuvre

The Epley manoeuvre involves performing four separate head movements to move the fragments that cause vertigo to a place where they no longer cause symptoms. Each head position is held for at least 30 seconds. You may experience some vertigo during the movements.

Your symptoms should improve shortly after the Epley manoeuvre is performed, although it may take up to two weeks for a complete recovery. Return to your GP if your symptoms haven’t improved after four weeks. The Epley manoeuvre isn’t usually a long-term cure and may need to be repeated.

Brandt-Daroff exercises

If the Epley manoeuvre doesn’t work, or if it’s not suitable – for example, because you have neck or back problems – you can also try Brandt-Daroff exercises. These are a series of movements you can do unsupervised at home.

Your GP will need to teach you how to do the exercises. You repeat them three or four times a day for two days in a row. Your symptoms may improve for up to two weeks.

Referral to a specialist

Your GP may refer you to a specialist, such as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if:

• the Epley manoeuvre doesn’t work or can’t be performed
• you still have symptoms after four weeks
• you have unusual signs or symptoms

In rare cases, where the symptoms of vertigo last for months or years, surgery may be recommended. This may involve blocking one of the fluid-filled canals in your ear. Your ENT specialist can give more advice on this.

Ménière’s disease

If your vertigo is caused by Ménière’s disease, there are a number of treatment options for both the vertigo and other symptoms caused by the condition.

Possible treatments for Ménière’s disease include:

• dietary advice – particularly a low-salt diet
• medication to treat attacks of Ménière’s disease
• medication to prevent attacks of Ménière’s disease
• treatment for tinnitus (ringing in your ears) – such as sound therapy, which works by reducing the difference between tinnitus sounds and background sounds, to make the tinnitus sounds less intrusive
• treatment for hearing loss – such as using hearing aids
• physiotherapy to deal with balance problems
• treatment for the secondary symptoms of Ménière’s disease – such as stress, anxiety and depression

See treating Ménière’s disease for more information

Central vertigo

Central vertigo is caused by problems in part of your brain, such as the cerebellum (which is located at the bottom of the brain) or the brainstem (the lower part of the brain that’s connected to the spinal cord).

Causes of central vertigo include migraines and, less commonly, brain tumours.

If your GP suspects you have central vertigo, they may organise a scan or refer you to a hospital specialist, such as a neurologist or an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) or audiovestibular physician.

Treating your migraine should relieve your vertigo if it’s caused by a migraine.

Vertigo with an unknown cause

If the cause of your vertigo is unknown, you may be admitted to hospital if:

• you have severe nausea and vomiting, and can’t keep fluids down
• your vertigo comes on suddenly and wasn’t caused by you changing position
• you possibly have central vertigo
• you have sudden hearing loss, but it’s not thought to be Ménière’s disease

Alternatively, you may be referred to a specialist, such as:

• a neurologist – a specialist in treating conditions that affect the nervous system
• an ENT specialist – a specialist in conditions that affect the ear, nose or throat
• an audiovestibular physician – a specialist in hearing and balance disorders

While waiting to see a specialist, you may be treated with medication.  

Vestibular rehabilitation

Vestibular rehabilitation, also called vestibular rehabilitation training or VRT, is a form of “brain retraining”. It involves carrying out a special programme of exercises that encourage your brain to adapt to the abnormal messages sent from your ears.

During VRT, you keep moving despite feelings of dizziness and vertigo. Your brain should eventually learn to rely on the signals coming from the rest of your body, such as your eyes and legs, rather than the confusing signals coming from your inner ear. By relying on other signals, your brain minimises any dizziness and helps you to maintain your balance.

An audiologist (hearing specialist) or a physiotherapist may provide VRT. Your GP may be able to refer you for VRT, although it depends on availability in your area.

In some cases, it may be possible to use VRT without specialist help. Research has shown that people with some types of vertigo can improve their symptoms using a self-help VRT booklet. However, you should discuss this with your doctor first.

Medicines

Medication can be used to treat episodes of vertigo caused by vestibular neuronitis or Ménière’s disease. It may also be used for central vertigo or vertigo with an unknown cause.

The medicines are usually prescribed for 3 to 14 days, depending on which condition they’re for. The two medicines that are usually prescribed are:

• prochlorperazine
• antihistamines

If these medicines are successful in treating your symptoms, you may be given a supply to keep at home, so you can take them the next time you have an episode of vertigo.

In some cases you may be advised to take long-term medication, such as betahistine, for conditions like Ménière’s disease.

Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine can help relieve severe nausea and vomiting associated with vertigo. It works by blocking the effect of a chemical in the brain called dopamine.

Prochlorperazine can cause side effects, including tremors (shaking) and abnormal or involuntary body and facial movements.

It can also make some people feel sleepy. For the full list of possible side effects, check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

Antihistamines

Antihistamines can be used to help relieve less severe nausea, vomiting and vertigo symptoms. They work by blocking the effects of a chemical called histamine.

Possible antihistamines that may be prescribed include:

• cinnarizine
• cyclizine
• promethazine teoclate

Like prochlorperazine, antihistamines can also make you feel sleepy. Headaches and an upset stomach are also possible side effects. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for the full list of possible side effects.

A medication called betahistine works in a similar way to antihistamines. It has been used to treat Ménière’s disease and may also be used for other balance problems. It may have to be taken for a long period of time. The beneficial effects vary from person to person.

Safety

If you have vertigo, there are some safety issues to consider. For example:

• you should inform your employer if your job involves operating machinery or climbing ladders
• you may be at increased risk of falls – see preventing falls for advice on making your home safer and reducing your risk

Vertigo could also affect your ability to drive. You should avoid driving if you’ve recently had episodes of vertigo and there’s a chance you may have another episode while you’re driving.

It’s your legal obligation to inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) about a medical condition that could affect your driving ability. Visit the GOV.UK website for more information on driving with a disability.

Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Written by Geri K. Metzger

• Causes of Vertigo
• Symptoms of Vertigo
• Treatment for Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off balance. If you have these dizzy spells, you might feel like you are spinning or that the world around you is spinning.

Vertigo is often caused by an inner ear problem. Some of the most common causes include:

BPPV. These initials stand for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) are dislodged from their normal location and collect in the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. It helps you keep your balance.

BPPV can occur for no known reason and may be associated with age.

Meniere’s disease. This is an inner ear disorder thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the ear. It can cause episodes of vertigo along with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss.

Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis. This is an inner ear problem usually related to infection (usually viral). The infection causes inflammation in the inner ear around nerves that are important for helping the body sense balance

Less often vertigo may be associated with:

• Head or neck injury
• Brain problems such as stroke or tumor
• Certain medications that cause ear damage
• Migraine headaches

Vertigo is often triggered by a change in the position of your head.

People with vertigo typically describe it as feeling like they are:

• Spinning
• Tilting
• Swaying
• Unbalanced
• Pulled to one direction

Other symptoms that may accompany vertigo include:

• Feeling nauseated
• Vomiting
• Abnormal or jerking eye movements (nystagmus)
• Headache
• Sweating
• Ringing in the ears or hearing loss

Symptoms can last a few minutes to a few hours or more and may come and go.

Treatment for vertigo depends on what’s causing it. In many cases, vertigo goes away without any treatment. This is because your brain is able to adapt, at least in part, to the inner ear changes, relying on other mechanisms to maintain balance.

For some, treatment is needed and may include:

Vestibular rehabilitation. This is a type of physical therapy aimed at helping strengthen the vestibular system. The function of the vestibular system is to send signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity.

Vestibular rehab may be recommended if you have recurrent bouts of vertigo. It helps train your other senses to compensate for vertigo.

Canalith repositioning maneuvers. Guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology recommend a series of specific head and body movements for BPPV. The movements are done to move the calcium deposits out of the canal into an inner ear chamber so they can be absorbed by the body. You will likely have vertigo symptoms during the procedure as the canaliths move.

A doctor or physical therapist can guide you through the movements. The movements are safe and often effective.

Medicine. In some cases, medication may be given to relieve symptoms such as nausea or motion sickness associated with vertigo.

If vertigo is caused by an infection or inflammation, antibiotics or steroids may reduce swelling and cure infection.

For Meniere’s disease, diuretics (water pills) may be prescribed to reduce pressure from fluid buildup.

Surgery. In a few cases, surgery may be needed for vertigo.

If vertigo is caused by a more serious underlying problem, such as a tumor or injury to the brain or neck, treatment for those problems may help to alleviate the vertigo.

Top Picks

The Top 12 Causes of Dizziness

The term dizziness is used to describe a range of sensations such as weakness, intoxication, or unsteadiness in the legs. This condition is one of the most common complaints with which people turn to neurologists. Sometimes patients come with another symptom – they complain of a feeling that the environment is moving or rotating. This condition is known as vertigo.

Indeed, feeling weak or unsteady creates discomfort. However, in most cases there is no cause for concern. But this does not mean that you can give up and not go to the doctor. In some cases, the problem may be hidden in serious violations.

There are many causes for this phenomenon, including inner ear problems, neurological problems, circulatory problems, trauma, or infections. Sometimes medications are to blame.

A clue about the possible causes of dizziness may be individual sensations that a person experiences. To find the culprit, you need to listen to your body. How long does this strange condition last, after what actions, does it go away on its own, and so on. In any case, it is almost impossible to figure it out without a neurologist.

The following are the main causes of dizziness:

Problems in the inner ear

Our balance depends on what signals from the external environment enter the sense system. This sensory system includes the following organs:

• Eyes, which help determine the location of our body in space,
• Sensory nerves, which send signals to the brain: how we move and what position our body is in,
• The inner ear, which houses sensors to help determine gravity. It is this that helps our body move forward or backward.

With vertigo, a person feels as if the whole world around him is moving and rotating. This indicates problems in the inner ear. The human brain receives signals from the inner ear that are inconsistent with what the eyes see and what signals the sensory nerves receive. Vertigo is the result of the brain trying to sort out all this confusion.

Problems in the inner ear due to the following causes:

1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

This condition causes a strong but brief feeling that everything is spinning and spinning around. The trigger for this condition is a rapid change in head position. For example, this happens when a person quickly rolls over in bed or rises abruptly from a sitting position. BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo.

2. Infection

A viral infection that affects the vestibular nerve, called vestibular neuritis, causes severe and prolonged dizziness.

3. Meniere’s disease

This disease is associated with excess accumulation of fluid in the inner ear. It is characterized by sudden episodes of dizziness that can last for several hours. Sometimes patients notice fluctuations in hearing, and also feel ringing or blockage in the ear.

4. Migraine

Sometimes people who suffer from migraines get dizzy. This happens even when the head hurts not much, and lasts from several minutes to several hours.

Circulatory problems

You may feel weak or unbalanced when your heart is not pumping enough blood to your brain. This happens for the following reasons:

5. Drop in blood pressure

A severe drop in systolic blood pressure can lead to a short-term feeling of weakness or dizziness. This condition is called orthostatic hypotension. This happens after getting up abruptly from a sitting or lying position.

6. Poor circulation

Conditions such as cardiomyopathy, heart attack, cardiac arrhythmia and transient ischemic attack can cause dizziness. A decrease in blood volume leads to insufficient blood flow to the brain or inner ear.

Other causes

7. Neurological disorders

Some neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis, gradually lead to imbalance.

8. Medications

Dizziness is one of the side effects of taking certain medications. These drugs include anticonvulsants, antidepressants, sedatives, and tranquilizers.

9. Anxiety disorders

People who suffer from anxiety disorders sometimes feel dizzy. The latter include panic attacks, fear of leaving the house or agoraphobia (fear of open spaces).

10. Iron deficiency in the body (anemia)

Other signs that may occur along with dizziness include fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.

11. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

This condition usually occurs in diabetics who use insulin. At the same time, along with dizziness, the patient develops increased sweating and anxiety.

12. Overheating and dehydration

If you are active in hot weather or do not drink enough fluids, you may feel dizzy from hypothermia (overheating) or dehydration (dehydration). Well, if a person takes certain “heart” medications, the risk of developing dizziness increases even more.

When should you seek medical help?

If you feel dizzy and also have symptoms from the list below, call

• Severe or severe headache,
• Sudden change in speech, vision or hearing,
• Difficulty walking or frequent tripping,
• Unconsciousness,
• Chest pain or irregular pulse,
• Weakness or numbness,
• Persistent vomiting,
• Shortness of breath,
• High fever,
• Sensation as if the neck were very hard,
• Convulsions or seizures.

Call an ambulance immediately if you experience the above symptoms. If you want to figure out why your head is spinning, as well as get rid of this phenomenon, make an appointment with a neurologist. The doctor will conduct a series of simple tests and, if necessary, refer you for diagnostic procedures.

Very often this problem goes away on its own. If some disorder or disease is to blame, the doctor prescribes a treatment that will be directed to the root cause. Sometimes it is not possible to establish the exact cause. In this case, the task of the doctor is to teach the patient to control his condition.

What drugs do neurologists prescribe?

Physicians may prescribe:

• Diuretics. If the patient has Meniere’s disease, he is prescribed diuretics. Also, the doctor will recommend severely limiting the amount of salt consumed.
• Anti-nausea drugs. You need to be careful with these drugs, because some of them cause drowsiness.
• Sedatives. These remedies help reduce anxiety and anxiety. These include the benzodiazepines diazepam and alprazolam.
• Antihistamines and anticholinergics. These drugs reduce the number of episodes of dizziness or provide short-term relief.
• Medicines that help prevent migraines.

What can we do without the help of a doctor?

Mayo Medical Center recommends:

• Avoid sudden movements, and if you are older, walk down the street with a cane. The stick will add stability and reduce the risk of falls.
• Remove small, slippery mats and hide wires that could get caught and fall. Use non-slip mats in the bath or shower.
• If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down immediately. If you feel like walls are moving around you, lie down on a bed in a darkened room and close your eyes. When it becomes easier, rise very slowly.
• If you feel unwell, do not drive a car or heavy machinery.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, salt and tobacco. All this will only worsen the situation.
• Drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy, get enough sleep and avoid stress.
• If the problem is caused by medication, be sure to tell your doctor. The specialist will either replace the medicine with an alternative one, or reduce the dosage.
• If you are overheated in the heat or are experiencing symptoms of dehydration, rest in a cool place and drink water.

Constantly dizzy? Never ignore this symptom. Better show yourself to the neurologist of the medical center Persomed.

Sources:

1. Dizziness, Mayo Clinic,
2. Dizziness, PatientInfo,
3. Dizziness, NHS.

Dizziness: causes and treatment. Why you feel dizzy and how to get rid of it

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10/16/2018

Table of contents

Dizziness: causes
Symptoms
Classification
Complications
Diagnostics
Treatment
Prevention
Benefits of contacting MEDSI

Dizziness is not a disease, but a symptom that occurs in a number of very different diseases, causing the patient to disorientate in space, a false sensation of the mobility of objects and stationary objects relative to him or the person himself relative to the objects surrounding him. It is extremely common, especially among older patients and females: it is the second most common medical complaint after headache.

Diagnosis of dizziness is difficult, since the sensation of instability in space is extremely subjective and can vary significantly in different patients both in the degree of manifestation and in the resulting sensory phenomena.

The condition can occur suddenly, be episodic: the patient experiences something like a push, as if he is “led” in one direction.

Status description

The condition can occur suddenly, be episodic: the patient experiences something like a push, as if he is “led” in one direction. In other cases, there may be a feeling of movement of surrounding objects in a circle or a feeling of rotation of the person himself, as after a long circling on carousels. This state can persist for quite a long time, up to an hour. But more often, dizziness is expressed in a feeling of general instability of objects and the person himself, a violation of the sense of balance. The patient experiences uncertainty when walking, it seems to him that he is about to fall or stumble, the ground is slipping from under his feet. Sometimes the symptoms are so strong that the patient grasps objects and feels dizzy, as before losing consciousness.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

• Dizziness onset for the first time, accompanied by nausea, vomiting or headache
• Dizziness led to loss of consciousness
• Weakness, tremor (trembling) of the extremities, tachycardia, sweating, feeling of lack of air, pain behind the sternum
• Status lasts more than an hour
• Along with dizziness, there was a sharp decrease in sensation or weakness in one half of the body, face or limb

These symptoms indicate a possible emergency and require urgent medical attention.

What diagnosis can be prescribed by a doctor?

Symptomatic treatment of dizziness is possible only after the doctor has established the cause that caused it.

To determine the type of dizziness and its possible causes, it is necessary to perform laboratory and instrumental diagnostics. This is:

• cardiogram
• blood tests (general, biochemical, clotting)
• Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck
• MRI or CT of the brain

Drug therapy

• For circulatory disorders, drug therapy will include taking vasodilators and antihistamines and agents that improve the rheological properties (fluidity) of the blood
• Neurogenic dizziness requires the use of nootropics (Pikamilon, or gamma-aminobutyric acid), which improve blood circulation and nerve conduction
• Vertigo caused by osteochondrosis requires muscle relaxants to relieve muscle spasm
• In women, dizziness caused by climacteric changes or cycle disorders is treated with hormonal preparations that allow the body’s hormonal levels to return to normal

Mode. It comes down to following the daily routine, the correct alternation of mental and physical stress, sleep and wakefulness.

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Diet. Excludes the use of products that increase blood pressure and cause vasospasm, excitatory effect on the nervous system (coffee, strong tea, alcohol, nicotine, very salty or spicy dishes).

Gymnastics. To train the vestibular apparatus outside of an attack, it is recommended to perform some exercises:

• Rotation of the head, torso from side to side with closed and open eyes
• Swing on a swing with a gradual increase in amplitude
• Balance exercises (stance on one leg with open and closed eyes)
• Rotation of the eyes in different directions
• Swimming

Home treatment for dizziness

If vertigo attacks occur intermittently and the cause is known, you can relieve the symptoms yourself.

If vertigo attacks occur intermittently and their cause is known, you can relieve the symptoms yourself by using the following methods:

Benefits of treatment at MEDSI

• Appointments are provided by qualified neurologists with extensive practical experience
• Clinics are equipped with equipment that allows a complete diagnosis of vertigo
• Treatment of emergencies involving dizziness

To make an appointment, call the round-the-clock phone 8 (495) 023-60-84.

MEDSI clinics in Moscow treat dizziness in men and women. Our doctors competently identify the causes of the pathological condition and eliminate them. At the same time, specialists use both the international experience of colleagues and their own best practices. This allows you to quickly relieve patients of discomfort and return them to their usual life.

Dizziness: causes

A feeling of uncertainty in determining one’s position in space can arise due to a number of factors. At the same time, every person experienced a feeling of instability, an imaginary rotation of surrounding objects or one’s own body at least once in a lifetime.

It is currently customary to divide dizziness into 2 main groups:

• Systemic (vertigo, vestibular, true). They arise due to damage to the vestibular analyzer. This organ is responsible for balance and sensitively reacts to changes in the position of the body and head in space. With such a pathology, it seems that both objects and the person himself are moving
• Non-systemic (non-true, non-vestibular). These dizzinesses are not provoked by the pathology of the vestibular analyzer. There are several subtypes of the pathological condition. The main ones include: presyncope, balance disorders, PPPG (persistent postural-perceptual vertigo)

Each of the groups has certain causes.

Systemic violations

May occur due to damage to the peripheral part of the vestibular analyzer or central parts (due to ischemic strokes, circulatory disorders in the arteries, cerebellar hemorrhages, multiple sclerosis, etc.).

Non-systemic vertigo

Pre-syncope can be triggered by a drop in blood pressure, arrhythmia, heart failure, etc. Older people often experience imbalances. At the same time, several risk factors are distinguished at once, the main of which are arthritis, heart failure, diabetes, depression, alcohol consumption, etc. The cause of PPPV (persistent postural-perceptual vertigo) can be panic attacks, vestibular migraine, Meniere’s disease, etc.

Symptoms

Systemic vertigo

Their main features include:

• false sensation of movement in the space of one’s own body
• feeling of movement, unevenness of the support
• feeling of falling into space
• feeling of rocking on the waves
• False sensation of movement of objects that are stationary

In some cases, the patient also experiences nausea. There may also be an attack of vomiting.

Dizziness is often accompanied by hearing loss, tinnitus, headache, double vision.

Non-system states

Their main features include:

• instability in standing position
• lack of confidence when moving
• feeling of “fog” in the head

Quite often, discomfort is aggravated by additional factors or under conditions in which an attack of dizziness has already occurred (driving in a car, shopping, etc. ).

Classification

In addition to dividing violations into systemic and non-systemic, there are other classifications. Dizziness is divided into chronic (may occur continuously for a month) and temporary (occur less frequently).

Complications

Complications of vertigo in men and women usually occur due to late diagnosis and lack of treatment or incorrectly chosen tactics.

Persistent seizures may cause:

• depressions
• anxiety disorders
• restrictions on daily activities
• falls and serious injuries

Important! Frequent dizziness is especially dangerous for people of mature and old age. Discomfort can lead to complete disability of the patient.

Diagnostics

Examination of the patient begins with the collection of anamnesis, examination of complaints and examination. The doctor finds out when the dizziness began, how long the seizures last, what character they have (permanent, with fainting spells, etc.). If possible, the specialist identifies factors that contribute to the occurrence of unpleasant sensations (staying in crowded places, stuffy rooms, sudden movements, etc.). It is also determined whether dizziness is accompanied by other symptoms (pain, nausea, etc.). During the examination, a number of different tests are carried out, assessment of reflexes, gait. The doctor measures blood pressure, determines the pulse, listens to the heart rhythm.

If necessary, an instrumental examination is performed, including:

• CT and MRI (computed and magnetic resonance imaging). These techniques make it possible to detect cerebral hemorrhages, various neoplasms, developmental anomalies and other pathologies that may be accompanied by dizziness
• Ultrasound of the arteries. Examination is carried out if arterial hypertension, atherosclerosis and other vascular pathologies are suspected
• Tonal threshold audiometry. This diagnostic is aimed at determining the auditory sensitivity
• Stabilography. This diagnostic allows you to assess the balance. The mobile platform

is used to perform the examination

We have VisualEyes 525 video nystagmography and video oculography system, Interacoustics (Denmark), Orion swivel chair, Interacoustics, as well as Eclipse platform with modules for recording auditory and vestibular evoked potentials, Alfa stabilometric platform. Physicians may perform the EyeSeeCam vHIT video pulse test.

Other diagnostic procedures are performed as needed. If cardiogenic causes of dizziness are suspected in a patient, ECG, Echo-KG and other examinations may be performed. The full range of manipulations is determined by the doctor.

Treatment

Therapy of a pathological condition is often significantly difficult. This is due to the large number of reasons that can provoke dizziness.

Treatment of systemic disorders

First, relief of the attack is provided. Then the physical rehabilitation of the patient and the restoration of normal vestibular function are carried out.

Usually for treatment:

• the patient is given complete rest
• prescribe antiemetics and other drugs
• conduct sessions of special vestibular gymnastics (including on a stabilometric platform)
• prescribe means to restore vestibular function

Special exercises and special maneuvers can form the basis of therapy. In some cases, the need for drugs does not even arise.

If a patient is diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, treatment is aimed not only at reducing vertigo attacks, but also at preventing the risks of hearing loss. In some cases, surgical interventions are prescribed. If dizziness is provoked by a tumor, it is eliminated. For this, both conservative and surgical methods are selected.

Treatment of non-systemic vertigo

The basis of therapy in this case is:

• antidepressants
• vestibular gymnastics
• cognitive behavioral therapy

All methods and preparations are selected exclusively individually. This takes into account the general condition of the patient, the presence of concomitant pathologies and other factors. Due to this, the treatment of dizziness in adults is not only the most effective, but also safe.

Important! It should always be understood that the problem is multifactorial. For this reason, doctors of various profiles can be involved in its elimination. Pathologies of the inner ear, for example, are eliminated with the obligatory participation of an otorhinolaryngologist. If a patient is diagnosed with non-systemic dizziness, pathologies of various organs are first excluded. An endocrinologist, a cardiologist and other narrow profile doctors are involved in the work. If tumor neoplasms are found, a decision is made on the need for surgical intervention. At the same time, it is performed by neurosurgeons.

Prophylaxis

Measures to prevent dizziness depend on the type of pathology.

For the prevention of central disorders it is necessary: ​​

• eliminate risk factors: high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, etc.
• timely detect dangerous diseases (neoplasms, multiple sclerosis) and treat them
• monitor blood sugar (if diabetic)

To prevent the risk of non-systemic vertigo, all comorbidities should be detected in a timely manner and treated with the involvement of experienced cardiologists, endocrinologists and other narrow specialists.

To prevent PPPV, you need to reduce your anxiety level and take a number of other measures.

Important! The doctor will tell you about all the features of preventing seizures! He will give personal recommendations to each patient.

Benefits of contacting MEDSI

• Experienced doctors. We employ otoneurologists – candidates of medical sciences, who have the necessary knowledge and skills to diagnose and treat dizziness of all types in adult patients
• Interdisciplinary approach. If necessary, not only otoneurologists, but also doctors of related profiles are involved in working with the patient. This allows you to quickly make an accurate diagnosis and develop an optimal treatment program
• All possibilities for complex diagnostics. We have the VisualEyes 525 video nystagmography and video oculography system, Interacoustics (Denmark), the Orion swivel chair, Interacoustics, as well as the Eclipse platform with modules for recording auditory and vestibular evoked potentials, and the Alfa stabilometric platform. Doctors can perform the EyeSeeCam vHIT video pulse test, MRI, MSCT, ultrasound of the main blood flow of the head and neck, EEG, tone threshold audiometry, impedancemetry, etc.
• Treatment according to international standards. For therapy, modern methods, drugs and tactics are used. Thanks to this, patients quickly get rid of unpleasant symptoms and return to a full life

To make an appointment at the clinic, just call +7 (495) 7-800-500. Our specialist will answer all your questions. Recording is also possible through the SmartMed application.

Contact us
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+7 (495) 7 800 500

You will receive a return automatic call, wait for the operator’s response.

Make an online appointment

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* By clicking the “Order a call back” button, you agree to the processing of your personal data by Group JSC
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