Vertigo has a symptom of a sensation of our self and around seems to be spinning all of a sudden. This condition typically signifies that you may have an underlying condition in either one of two important body parts such as your inner ear or your central nervous system.
Vertigo attacks can vary ranging from mild to severe dizziness that appears periodically and for a long time. The Severe attacks can continue for several days so the sufferer cannot do activity normally.
In general, vertigo is a symptom that triggered by a distortion of the balance mechanism in the inner ear. This symptom is caused by an underlying condition that usually comes with other alarming symptoms like uncontrollable eye movement, loss of muscle coordination, nausea, and vomiting. Type of vertigo can be divided into two categories according to the cause.
This is the most common type. Peripheral vertigo is triggered by a distortion of the balance mechanism located in the inner ear. It can cause inflammation in the inner ear. The following are known to cause this condition:
- Vestibular Neuritis. Vestibular neuritis is the inflammation of your vestibular system that can confuse the brain thus causing vertigo. A vestibular system is a group of organs that help maintain your balance. However, it does not affect your hearing.
- Meniere’s disease. It appears due to the abnormal amount of fluid in the inner ear that can cause recurring episodes of vertigo, may also cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of pressure in the affected ear.
- Labyrinthitis. Labyrinthitis is characterized by inflammation in deep inside your ear’s or the labyrinth, a network of fluid-filled channels in your inner ear that help your body’s ability to balance.
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV causes vertigo when calcium carbonate crystals detach from the linings of your inner ear. You may get BPPV due to an ear infection, ear surgery, a head injury or prolonged bed rest.
This is a problem in the Central Nervous System. Central vertigo tends to have longer attack durations compared to peripheral type because of its more serious nature.
- Migraine-Induced Vertigo. A migraine is a headache that is more painful compared to a typical headache. The exact causes of a migraine are largely unknown making it hard for doctors to diagnose for vertigo.
- Acoustic Neuroma. Acoustic neuroma is a condition defined by a benign tumor that grows on the main nerve of your inner ear that leads to your brain. This nerve plays a role in balance and hearing.
- Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition wherein your myelin or the defensive layer that covers your nerve cells becomes inflamed then causing coordination problems between your brain and muscles.
The neck contains a nerve that works together with the inner ear to help maintain your balance and keep your brain aware of its bearings. However, a malfunction in the neck can confuse your other balance organs thus causing this symptom.
The common symptom is the loss of balance. This sign will trigger people with vertigo have difficulty standing or walking, nausea, vomiting, sweating, sometimes accompanied by nystagmus (abnormal eye movements), and dizziness.
Vertigo is not a disease but a symptom caused by either inflammation in your inner ear or a malfunction in your nervous system.
Exercises That May Help With BPPV
BPPV can be treated with the help of a physical therapist. If needed, the doctor will recommend some special steps to handle BPPV.
- Brandt-Daroff Exercise
- Semont Maneuver
- Epley Maneuver
Simple Maneuvers for Labyrinthitis
The disease is generally caused by viral infections and can be cured without treatment. However, if you experience the sudden loss of hearing, it is important to visit the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist or an audiovestibular specialist.
Managing Meniere’s disease
If you experience vertigo due to Meniere’s disease, it is important to find a comfortable place and if tinnitus also occurs, you may use sound therapy and relaxation techniques like yoga. Vestibular rehabilitation (VRT) is another technique you can try to help maintain your balance. In severe cases, surgery may be required to help you manage your condition better long-term.
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The duration of taking medicine given by the doctor depends on the severity of vertigo but generally for three days to two weeks. Medicines Drugs that may be given are:
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for treating various conditions that can help alleviate vertigo. The most effective essential oils you can use are Basil, Cypress, Lavender, Ginger, Peppermint, Rose, Rosemary, Sage, and Tangerine.