Vertigo is a funny sensation of spinning or loss of balance. So, if you have been experiencing a spinning sensation, most possibly you are suffering from vertigo. The worst thing about vertigo is that it is hard to notice, and it slowly seeps into our system and soon becomes a pattern or behavior.
Vertigo could be the reason for feeling dizzy, although other illnesses can cause the same symptoms. Vertigo can be triggered by various factors, and stress is one of them. Vertigo can be dangerous for a person as it can lead to a bad fall due to dizziness or loss of balance; however, it can be completely cured if treated early. This article will explain the symptoms, causes, and treatment for vertigo.
To understand vertigo, we need first to know the anatomy of our ear and its connection to the brain. We all know that sound waves travel through our outer ear, and they travel within the ear canal, thus reaching up to our eardrums. The eardrums are now responsible for turning these sounds into vibrations that transmit in the middle ear and finally reached the vestibular nerve. The vestibular nerve is responsible for carrying the sound signal to the brain for further interpretations. Based on this interpretation, our body reacts. Thus, vertigo is regarded as a condition of dysfunction of the balance organ of the inner ear or one or more parts of the central nervous system. Due to this dis-balance, the message does not reach the brain at the right time or in the correct form, due to which one experiences dizziness or delayed response.
Let’s Look At The Common Symptoms Of Vertigo:
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Dizziness
The dizziness that you feel during vertigo is very different from light-headedness. Vertigo related dizziness is a sensation where the patient experiences the turning around of the surrounding. Disturbances in the inner ear cause this type of dizziness
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Loss Of Balance
If you experience a loss of balance, then it’s time to get yourself tested for vertigo, even when you are still. Vertigo patients usually fear coming down from stairs; they tend to hold the railing firmly due to the fear of falling.
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Nausea Or Vomiting
The abnormal dizziness can cause motion illness, thus accompanied by nausea or vomiting. If you experience nausea after some movement, like walking after sitting for long or running down the stairs, then it’s time to ring the bell and visit the doc.
Now That We Know The Symptoms, Let’s Look At The Causes:
The causes that lead to vertigo can be categorized into two, Peripheral causes and central causes.
Peripheral Causes
- BPPV is a common form of vertigo that is caused due to problems in the inner ear. It usually occurs when the tiny calcium carbonate crystals that are found in the inner ear loosen up. These crystals move around the semi-circular ear canals and create a fake signal for the brain. The brain provides a sign of movement, whereas there is no movement. In simple words, it’s like ringing a false alarm. As a result of BPPV, the patient experiences spinning sensations that get triggered by the change in the position of the head.
- Infection of the vestibular nerve can also be a cause of vertigo.
- If tumors develop in the vestibular nerve, the symptoms of vertigo can be felt.
- Lastly, but, rarely it could be due to the formation of fluid in the inner ear. This can cause hearing loss and ringing in the ear.
Central Causes:
- Brain injury in the past can also be a cause of vertigo.
- Brain strokes can result in vertigo, where the patient losses the coordination between the sound and the action.
- Anxiety can also cause vertigo. Too much stress can hamper the working of your nervous system.
- Prolonged Migraine headaches can also trigger the chances of vertigo.
Treatments
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An Easy Fix For B.P.P.V.
B.P.P.V or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is caused due to the movement of ear crystals. The common technique used by the therapist is to turn the head from one side to the other while focussing on the eye movement during the process. This step is repeated several times, and the results in most cases are delivered in less than 10 minutes. Gravity causes the inner ear crystals to shift from its place to its original position.
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Exercises
Walking is another effective method for treating vertigo. It is known to be a powerful exercise for vertigo. Walk a few steps and stop. Wait until the dizziness disappears and repeat the exercise several times. Remember, persistence is the key; repeat it twice a day for a few minutes and, within a couple of months, you will start feeling free from vertigo. Once you are comfortable with this exercise, try doing the same with walking backward.
The Bottom Line:
Vertigo is problematic, but it is not something to worry about. Get the right treatment and, once the underlining cause is identified, vertigo can be easily treated. Feeling of Dizziness or imbalance can be a fear for those suffering from vertigo, but it’s best to follow the instructions given by your therapist and stay calm. Remember, a healthy mind can cure any illness.
