2. What is vertigo?
Vertigo is an abnormal sensation that is described by
the person as a feeling they are spinning or that the
world is spinning around them. It is most often
associated with an inner ear problem.
our balance or equilibrium, is primarily measured by
three sensory systems:
1. The eye (visual) system
2. The balance (vestibular) system of the inner ear
3. The general sensory system including motion,
pressure, and position (proprioception) sensors in
joints, muscles, and skin.
3. causes
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may
be caused when the crystals in the inner ear become
dislodged and irritate the semicircular canals.
Often the cause is not found but there may be an
association with unusual positioning or movement of
the head. It is most frequently seen in people older
than 60.
4. cause
Labyrinthitis may follow a viral infection which causes
inflammation within the middle ear
Meniere's disease is a group of symptoms associated with
vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus or ringing in the ears.
Acoustic neuroma is a benign tumor of the ear that can
present with vertigo.
5. cause
Inner ear trauma may be due to a variety of
mechanisms. A basilar skull fracture may damage the
labyrinth system directly or a concussion, where that
area of the skull is shaken and may dislodge some of
the inner ear crystals causing symptoms of vertigo.
6. causes
Central causes of vertigo that arise in the brain are
much less common. Strokes, tumors, seizures, and
multiple sclerosis may be associated with vertigo.
Vestibular migraines describe migraine headaches
associated with vertigo and are a common cause of
balance disorders. Migraine is a blood vessel (vascular)
disease characterized by periodic, usually one-sided,
headaches. These headaches are often preceded for a
variable time by associated neurological symptoms,
called the aura.
7. symptoms
feeling that either the world is spinning around the
person or that the person themselves is spinning.
decreased hearing and ringing in the ear (tinnitus).
If there are issues with the cerebellum, the person may
also complain of difficulty with coordination.
Nausea and vomiting are often associated symptoms
with vertigo
8. precautions
Change your position slowly, especially when going from a lying or sitting
position to a standing position. When you get out of bed, sit on the side of
the bed for a few seconds to gain your orientation and allow your
circulatory system to adjust.
When walking, focus on distant objects. Do not look down at your feet.
Avoid walking in dark areas or on unstable ground.
When riding in a car, try to sit in the front seat. Look out the window at a
fixed point. When going around curves, look at a distant object beyond the
curve.
Make certain eye glass and hearing aid prescriptions are current.
Use a cane, walking stick, or walker for support and to give additional
pressure and touch (tactile) orientation.
Avoid activities that move the head up and down repetitively.
Try to avoid keeping the head tilted back for long periods of time, for
example painting or dusting above your head.
Be cautious when using medications that may cause balance problems
9. FAQs
1. Vertigo and lightheadedness are the same sensation. True or
False?
A False. Vertigo is most often described as a spinning sensation
with loss of balance while lightheadedness is the feeling that a
person might faint.
2. Vertigo is most commonly associated with which body
part?
A The inner ear. Vertigo is an abnormal sensation that is
described by the person as a feeling they are spinning or that the
world is spinning around them.
3. Vertigo is most often associated with an inner ear problem.
Q:Vertigo is a disease. True or False?
A False. Vertigo is not a disease. Rather, vertigo itself is a symptom
or indicator of an underlying balance problem, either involving
the labyrinth of the inner ear or the cerebellum of the brain. If
there are issues with the cerebellum, a person may also complain
of difficulty with coordination.
10. FAQs
4. Is the Epley maneuver an effective treatment for
benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)?
A Yes. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (positional
vertigo or BPPV) is caused by movement of the otolith -- a
tiny calcium particle the size of a grain of sand -- from the
part of the ear that senses gravity to the part that senses
head position. The person feels as if their head is turning
when it isn't.
A two-minute therapy done right in the doctor's office can
move the otolith back where it belongs and fix the
problem. This therapy, called the Epley maneuver, cures
vertigo 80% of the time.
