What is vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can make daily life challenging. While vertigo is usually harmless and short-lived, it can sometimes indicate a more serious health issue.

Causes of vertigo

Vertigo often originates from problems within the inner ear or brain, as both play essential roles in balance. Common causes include:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common form of vertigo caused by tiny calcium crystals shifting in the inner ear canals.
2. Vestibular neuritis or Labyrinthitis: These conditions involve inflammation in the inner ear, leading to intense vertigo and balance issues.
3. Ménière’s disease: A chronic inner ear disorder causing fluid buildup, which leads to vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
4. Vestibular migraines: Some migraines cause vertigo, even without a headache.
5. Head injury: Trauma to the head can impact balance and trigger vertigo.
6. Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA): Rarely, vertigo may signal reduced blood flow to the brain and can be a sign of a stroke.

Common symptoms of vertigo

Besides the sensation of spinning or dizziness, vertigo can come with other symptoms, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Sweating
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Temporary hearing loss

When should I worry about my vertigo?

While vertigo is often benign, certain symptoms indicate a more serious issue. Here’s when you should seek medical advice:

1. Sudden and severe vertigo: If vertigo starts suddenly and is very intense without a clear cause, it may be due to a more serious health condition.
2. Vertigo with neurological symptoms: Sudden dizziness paired with symptoms like severe headache, speech difficulties, blurred vision, numbness, or weakness can signal a stroke. Seek immediate medical help if you experience these symptoms.
3. Frequent or persistent vertigo episodes: If vertigo recurs frequently or lasts a long time, disrupting your daily activities, consult a healthcare provider.
4. Vertigo following a head injury: Dizziness after a head injury may be linked to a concussion or another trauma.
5. Vertigo with hearing changes: Experiencing vertigo along with hearing loss, tinnitus, or a feeling of fullness in one ear may indicate Ménière’s Disease or another inner ear disorder.
6. Severe nausea and vomiting: Intense nausea and vomiting due to vertigo may require medical treatment for symptom relief and to avoid dehydration.

Diagnosing and treating vertigo

If you experience concerning vertigo symptoms, a healthcare provider can assess the cause and recommend treatment. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, hearing tests, balance tests, and possibly imaging such as MRI. Treatment options for vertigo include:

• Epley maneuver: A physical technique to reposition misplaced inner ear crystals, often effective for BPPV.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Specialized physical therapy to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
• Medications: Short-term use of antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs, or anti-anxiety medications may help manage vertigo symptoms.
• Diet and lifestyle changes: For conditions like Ménière’s Disease, a low-sodium diet may help regulate fluid levels in the inner ear and reduce episodes.

Tips for managing vertigo at home

While awaiting medical evaluation, try these tips to manage vertigo symptoms:

• Move Slowly: Sudden head movements can worsen dizziness, so take your time when moving.
• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate vertigo, so drink water throughout the day.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine: Both can interfere with balance and intensify symptoms.
• Rest in a quiet room: Lying down in a calm, dark room can reduce the spinning sensation and ease discomfort.

Frequently asked questions about vertigo

1. Is vertigo life-threatening?
Most cases of vertigo are not life-threatening. However, vertigo with severe symptoms like a headache, speech issues, or numbness may indicate a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

2. Can stress cause vertigo?
Stress alone doesn’t cause vertigo, but it can worsen symptoms in people with conditions that affect balance.

3. How long does vertigo last?
Vertigo duration varies. Some episodes last seconds, while others persist for hours or even days, depending on the cause.

Vertigo can be unsettling, but it’s often manageable with the right approach. However, if you notice sudden, severe, or recurring symptoms, consulting a healthcare provider is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Knowing the causes and symptoms of vertigo—and when to worry—can help you take charge of your health and find relief from dizziness.