Summary about Disease
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or whirling, even when you're not moving. It's a symptom, rather than a disease itself, and can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions affecting the inner ear or brain. It can lead to balance problems, nausea, and difficulty with daily activities.
Symptoms
A sensation of spinning or whirling (the most common symptom)
Loss of balance
Dizziness
Lightheadedness
Nausea and vomiting
Sweating
Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
Headache
Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Feeling of fullness in the ear
Causes
Vertigo is commonly caused by inner ear problems, including:
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause and happens when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged.
Ménière's Disease: An inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear or vestibular nerve, usually caused by a viral infection. Other causes can include:
Migraines
Head injuries
Brain tumors (rare)
Stroke (rare)
Certain medications
Medicine Used
Medications for vertigo depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:
Antihistamines: Like meclizine or dimenhydrinate, to reduce nausea and dizziness.
Anticholinergics: Like scopolamine, to help with nausea and vomiting.
Benzodiazepines: Like diazepam or lorazepam, to suppress the vestibular system, but use is limited due to potential side effects.
Anti-emetics: Like promethazine, to control nausea and vomiting.
Diuretics: For Meniere's Disease, to reduce fluid retention.
Corticosteroids: For vestibular neuritis, to reduce inflammation.
Specific medications: To treat underlying causes like migraines.
Is Communicable
No, vertigo is not communicable. It is not caused by a contagious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Avoid sudden movements: Move slowly and deliberately to reduce the risk of triggering vertigo.
Use assistive devices: Use a cane or walker if necessary to maintain balance.
Sit or lie down: If you feel an attack coming on, sit or lie down to prevent falls.
Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery: During vertigo episodes.
Manage stress: Stress can sometimes trigger or worsen vertigo.
Adequate lighting: Ensure adequate lighting at home to prevent falls.
Remove hazards: Remove potential tripping hazards in your home.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a vertigo episode varies greatly depending on the cause:
BPPV: Episodes typically last for seconds to minutes.
Ménière's Disease: Episodes can last for 20 minutes to several hours.
Vestibular Neuritis: Vertigo may be severe for several days, gradually improving over weeks or months.
Migraine-associated vertigo: Can last minutes to hours.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves:
Medical history: Detailed information about your symptoms and medical history.
Physical exam: Including neurological and ear exams.
Balance and hearing tests: To evaluate the function of the inner ear and vestibular system.
Dix-Hallpike maneuver: A specific test to diagnose BPPV.
Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG): Tests to measure eye movements and assess vestibular function.
MRI or CT scan: May be performed to rule out other conditions, such as brain tumors or stroke, especially if neurological symptoms are present.
Hearing test (audiometry): to assess hearing loss
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms depends on the underlying cause. Here's a general idea:
Sudden Onset: Vertigo often comes on suddenly, especially with BPPV or vestibular neuritis.
Peak Intensity: Symptoms usually peak within minutes to hours of onset.
Gradual Improvement: In many cases, symptoms will gradually improve over days, weeks, or months, depending on the cause and treatment.
Recurrence: Some conditions, like Meniere's Disease and BPPV, can have recurrent episodes.
Important Considerations
See a doctor: It's essential to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of vertigo.
Falls: Vertigo can increase the risk of falls, especially in older adults.
Driving/Operating Machinery: Vertigo can be dangerous when driving or operating machinery.
Medication Side Effects: Be aware of potential side effects of medications used to treat vertigo.
Rehabilitation: Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can be helpful in improving balance and reducing vertigo symptoms.
Psychological Impact: Chronic vertigo can have a significant psychological impact, leading to anxiety and depression. Support groups or counseling can be beneficial.