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Introduction
Vertigo is the sensation of motion or spinning of the surroundings; it is similar to dizziness. There are several ways to manage vertigo, depending on the cause of it.
Living with vertigo is not conventional and effortless. But there are ways that you can manage your symptoms and go on living the best of your lives. The objective of this blog is to give you a basic understanding of vertigo and to help you with a few tips to cope with it.
Understanding Vertigo Better
The word vertigo means whirling or unbalanced, which is precisely the sign of the disease. Vertigo is the symptom of an existing condition, which is of two types.
Central vertigo:
Central vertigo is correlated to the brain (mostly the brainstem) and the back part of the brain called the cerebellum. Several reasons like head injury, neck injury, brain tumour, stroke, Blood vessel diseases, multiple sclerosis and vestibular migraine might cause this.
Peripheral vertigo:
Peripheral vertigo is when the symptoms are caused by issues with the inner part of the ear, leading to dizziness and imbalance. The reasons a person might get Peripheral vertigo can vary from Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), ear infections, Neuronitis, Labyrinthitis, Meneire or certain medications toxic to the ear.
Diagnosis of Vertigo
Vertigo can be diagnosed by performing the following tests depending on the type :
- Dix-Hallpike Maneuver
- Head Impulse Test
- Romberg’s Test
- Fukuda-Unterberger Test
- Vestibular test
- Blood Work and allergy tests
- Imaging tests
Treatment for Vertigo
- Repositioning manoeuvres
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy
- Medicine
- Surgery
Tips To Manage Vertigo Symptoms
- Lie static in a dark and quiet room when your head is spinning, or you feel dizzy.
- Do not get up with a jolt. Wake up slowly with no sudden head or neck movements and continue the same while doing your day-to-day activities.
- Avoid extending your neck to reach for objects placed higher or to look up.
- Avoid bending down instead of squatting.
- Use the help of walking sticks if you feel dizzy often.
- Immediately sit or lie down if you feel shaky or dizzy.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking and maintain a healthy diet.
- Specific exercises help in subsiding the symptoms of vertigo.
- Try to have a stress-free environment, as stress and anxiety can cause vertigo symptoms to intensify.
- Keep your head elevated with an extra pillow.
Conclusion
Even though vertigo is a severe condition and is demanding in most cases, it is solvable with proper treatment like medications, surgery or physical therapy, depending on the intensity and the type of vertigo. With few lifestyle changes and routine practices, it is possible to lead a happy and content life whilst coping with vertigo.
FAQs
1. What is vertigo?
Vertigo is the dizziness or feeling like the world around you is spinning; it also includes wobbly feet and feeling faint.
2. Why does vertigo occur?
Central vertigo occurs due to either some abnormality in the brain stroke, head and neck injury, or blood vessel diseases. At the same time, peripheral vertigo occurs due to conditions like BPPV, ear infections, neuronitis, labyrinthitis, Meniere, or certain medications that are toxic to the ear.
3. How to diagnose vertigo?
Vertigo is diagnosed with different tests depending on whether a person has peripheral or central vertigo. Some tests are the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver, Head Impulse Test, Romberg’s Test, Fukuda-Unterberger Test, and Vestibular Test.
4. Who is susceptible to vertigo?
Any adult above the age of 20 is at a chance of getting vertigo, especially women. It is more dangerous in older adults as loss of balance can play a significant role in disastrous accidents. While it is rare for young children to get vertigo, it is not impossible.
5. Is vertigo treatable?
Yes, vertigo is treatable, depending on the type and severity of it. The course of treatment might range from physical therapy to surgery.
6. What are the treatment options for vertigo?
Vertigo can be treated depending on the type of vertigo a person has, that is, peripheral or central vertigo. Some treatment options are Repositioning manoeuvres, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, Medicine and Surgery.
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