Vertigo (Balance Disorders)

What is Vertigo (Balance Disorder)?

Vertigo is a condition characterized by a false sensation of spinning—either of the body or the surrounding environment—often accompanied by dizziness and loss of balance. It can be a frustrating and debilitating experience for those affected.

Symptoms of Vertigo and Balance Disorders:

  • Spinning Sensation: The primary symptom, where the affected person feels that they or their surroundings are moving or rotating.
  • Dizziness: A sense of unsteadiness or lightheadedness.
  • Nausea and Vomiting: Common symptoms triggered by the spinning sensation.
  • Sweating: Excessive sweating may occur during vertigo episodes.
  • Loss of Balance: Difficulty maintaining stability, potentially leading to stumbling or falling.

Signs of Vertigo:

  • Abnormal Eye Movements (Nystagmus): Rapid or jerky involuntary eye movements, a hallmark of vertigo.
  • Unsteady Gait: Wobbly or staggering walking patterns.
  • Coordination Problems: Difficulty performing precise motor tasks.
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Causes of Vertigo and Balance Disorders:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): The most common cause, resulting from displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear disrupting balance signals.
  • Ménière’s Disease: Characterized by recurrent vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
  • Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, typically due to a viral infection.
  • Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Some migraine sufferers experience vertigo as a symptom.
  • Inner Ear Infections: Conditions like labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis can lead to vertigo.
  • Medications: Certain drugs (e.g., for high blood pressure or epilepsy) may cause vertigo as a side effect.

Diagnosis of Vertigo:

Identifying the underlying cause requires a thorough evaluation by a specialist, including:

  • Medical History: Questions about symptoms, duration, and potential triggers.
  • Physical Examination: Assessing eye movements, balance, and coordination.
  • Dix-Hallpike Test: Used to diagnose BPPV, involving specific head and body movements to provoke vertigo and observe eye responses.
  • Imaging Studies: CT scans or MRIs to rule out other potential causes.

Treatment of Vertigo:

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

  • Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: A series of head and body movements to reposition calcium crystals in the inner ear, commonly used for BPPV.
  • Medications: To relieve nausea or treat underlying conditions like migraines or Ménière’s disease.
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation: Specialized physical therapy exercises to improve balance and reduce vertigo symptoms.
  • Lifestyle Changes: Avoiding triggers such as specific foods or activities that worsen symptoms.
  • Surgical Intervention: Considered in rare, severe cases unresponsive to other treatments.
    Consulting a specialist is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan.

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