What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by a false sensation of movement or spinning of the surroundings. A person experiencing vertigo feels as though they, or the environment around them, is tilting, whirling, or moving when no such motion is occurring. It is not a distinct disease in itself, but rather a prominent symptom of an underlying medical issue. It is either in the vestibular system of the inner ear or in the central nervous system pathways of the brain. Vertigo must be clinically distinguished from lightheadedness, which is a feeling of faintness or unsteadiness without the illusion of spinning.

How common is Vertigo?

Vertigo is one of the most frequent health complaints evaluated by primary care physicians, otolaryngologists, and neurologists. It can affect individuals of any age, but its frequency increases significantly as people grow older. It is estimated that nearly 10% of the general population experiences episodes of vertigo at some point in their lives, with women being diagnosed twice as often as men. It represents a substantial clinical burden because severe episodes can completely incapacitate a person, disrupting their ability to perform daily tasks and work.

What are the symptoms of Vertigo?

Vertigo symptoms depend on the causes, which include:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Often severe, triggered by the brain receiving conflicting sensory signals regarding spatial orientation.
• Nystagmus: Involuntary, rapid, rhythmic eye movements where the eyes track slowly in one direction and then snap back quickly, which doctors look for during an examination.
• Loss of Balance: An inability to stand upright or walk straight, often resulting in drifting or falling to one side.
• Tinnitus: A noise-like ringing, buzzing or roaring sound in one or both ears.
• Hearing Loss: Fluctuating or progressive difficulty hearing, affecting the inner ear.
• Aural Fullness: A sensation of pressure or stuffed-up feeling deep within the ear canal.
• Headache or Migraine Symptoms: Sensitivity to light and sound during the spinning episode.

What causes Vertigo?

Vertigo is broadly classified into two categories based on where the problem originates: peripheral vertigo, which involves the inner ear, and central vertigo, which involves the brain.

The majority of Vertigo cases include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Occurs when tiny calcium carbonate crystals break loose within the inner ear canals, shifting out of place and overstimulating nerve endings during head movements.
• Meniere's Disease: An excess fluid buildup in the inner ear’s deeper chambers, which triggers spells of intense vertigo, progressive hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: A sudden inflammation or viral infection of the vestibular nerve, which transmits balance information to the brain.

Causes originate within the CNS and include:

• Vestibular Migraine: A type of migraine headache where the primary symptoms are severe vertigo rather than pain.
• Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack: often called “mini attack,”  in which blood flow to the brainstem or cerebellum is reduced, and can cause sudden, severe central vertigo.
• Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease where the protective covering of the nerves in the brain's balance centers is destroyed.
• Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor that grows on the vestibular nerve, slowly compressing it over time.

What are the complications of Vertigo?

While many forms of vertigo are benign, the symptom can lead to secondary complications that alter a patient's life:

• Fall-Related Injuries: Fractures, head injuries, and sprains caused by losing balance during a sudden attack.
• Loss of Independence: Inability to drive a vehicle, operate any machinery or climb stairs safely, forcing individuals to rely heavily on others.
• Psychological Distress: Severe anxiety, panic attacks, and depression stemming from the unpredictable fear of when the next spinning episode will strike.

How do doctors diagnose Vertigo?

The physician will perform a complete physical exam, focusing on the eyes and neurological system, using these tests:

• Dix-Hallpike Maneuver: A diagnostic movement where the doctor lowers the patient quickly from a sitting to a lying position with the head turned, watching the eyes for specific tracking movements to confirm BPPV.
• Audiometry: A formal hearing test to evaluate for inner ear patterns like Meniere's disease.
• Videonystagmography (VNG): A test using specialized goggles with infrared cameras to record involuntary eye movements while exposing the ears to warm and cool water or air.
• MRI of the Brain: Ordered if the doctor suspects a central cause, providing detailed views of the brainstem, cerebellum, and cranial nerves to look for strokes or tumors.

How is Vertigo treated?

Treatment depends entirely on the root cause identified during the medical workup.

• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: For BPPV, a sequence of specific head movements, such as the Epley maneuver, is used to guide the loose calcium crystals out of the semicircular canals and back into their proper chambers, often curing the problem in one or two sessions.
• Vestibular Suppressants: Short-term use of medications like meclizine, diazepam, or promethazine to quiet the inner ear and reduce severe nausea during acute attacks.
• Diuretics and Low-Salt Diet: Prescribed for Meniere's disease to reduce fluid pressure within the inner ear structures.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: A specialized physical therapy program consisting of head and eye exercises designed to retrain the brain to compensate for an injured balance system.
• Migraine Preventative Medications: Beta-blockers, topiramate, or lifestyle changes if the diagnosis is a vestibular migraine.
• Surgical Options: Rarely required, but considered for structural issues like acoustic neuromas or severe, treatment-resistant Meniere's disease.

What can I expect if I have Vertigo?

The prognosis for vertigo is highly favorable for the majority of patients. Conditions like BPPV and vestibular neuritis often resolve completely with proper physical maneuvers or short courses of medication. Chronic conditions like Meniere's disease or vestibular migraines require long-term lifestyle adaptations and medical management, but most individuals achieve good control over their symptoms. Central vertigo due to stroke or neurological disease carries a varied outlook depending on the severity of the brain injury.

How do I take care of myself?

When a vertigo attack occurs, immediately seek out a quiet, softly lit area and lie down to limit sensory input. Keep your head as still as possible and either close your eyes or fix your gaze on an unmoving object. Avoid screens, books, and television. To help prevent falls, remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, install nightlights for better visibility, and consider using a shower chair if you continue to feel unsteady between episodes.

Can Vertigo be prevented?

While not all forms of vertigo can be prevented, certain steps can reduce the frequency of attacks:

• Manage Stress: High stress can trigger vestibular migraines and Meniere's attacks.
• Limit Trigger Substances: Reducing intake of salt, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, which can directly affect inner ear fluid levels and blood circulation.
• Stay Well Hydrated: Avoiding dehydration helps maintain a stable fluid balance throughout the body.

When should I see my doctor?

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you experience new, unexplained vertigo or if your existing symptoms change in severity. Seek immediate emergency medical attention if your vertigo occurs alongside any of the following symptoms, as they can indicate a stroke or brain hemorrhage:

• Sudden, severe, crushing headache.
• Difficulty speaking, slurred words, or confusion.
• Numbness or paralysis in the face, arms, or legs.
• Double vision or sudden blindness.
• Inability to walk or stay upright without support.

Why choose Tender Palm Super Specialty Hospital for Vertigo treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super Speciality Hospital offers advanced Vertigo treatment in Lucknow at an affordable cost. We have a team of experienced neurologists, ENT specialists, vestibular disorder experts, and rehabilitation specialists who provide accurate diagnosis, personalized care, and advanced treatment for Vertigo. Our neurosciences team has extensive experience in successfully treating Vertigo in Lucknow, India.

To seek an Expert Consultation for Vertigo treatment in Lucknow, India:

Call us at +91-9076972161
Email at care@tenderpalm.com

Request a Call Back