Vertigo is that sensation when a person feels that the world is spinning around him. It is a feeling of off balance.

While having a Vertigo, people often complain about feeling dizzy, basic daily activities like walking or moving becomes really intense for them. These episodes can impact everyday life.

Is Vertigo common?

Experiencing Vertigo at least once during a lifetime is quite common. It is often seen in older people, but it can happen to anyone at any age. Women are a little more prone to experience an episode of Vertigo than men.

Types of Vertigo:

There are two major types of Vertigo:

Central Vertigo: Central Vertigo occurs when there is a sudden and temporary malfunction in the brain, precisely in an area called the cerebellum.

Peripheral Vertigo: Peripheral Vertigo occurs due to a problem in areas of vestibular nerve or the inner ear. This area connects the inner ear and the brain. Peripheral Vertigo is the most common type of Vertigo.

According to the American Institute of Balance, Peripheral Vertigo is generally a more serious and dangerous problem compared to Central Vertigo.

Recurrent Spontaneous Vertigo with Head-Shaking Nystagmus:

Recently, researchers discovered a new type of Vertigo called  Recurrent Spontaneous Vertigo with Head-Shaking Nystagmus  or (RSV-HNS).

To diagnose RSV-HNS, the patients need to sit in a room without lights. The examiner changes the position of their heads, first in forward direction, then in side to side direction for about 15 seconds. The camera records the patient s eye motions. It results in those who have RSV-HSN making an eye movement which lasts longer than the others. This movement is known as  nystagmus .

Compared to other types of Vertigo, RSV-HSN shows a more severe sensation of motion sickness. People with RSV-HSN experience things like nausea, headaches, vomiting, and an unwillingness to head motions. These symptoms can be experienced anywhere from a couple of times a week to once a year.

The reason behind RSV-HSN is still unknown. Doctors recommend that proper medication helps to improve the condition.

Treatment for Vertigo:

A major part of the treatment of Vertigo depends on the cause of the Vertigo. Often, Vertigo goes away without any treatment. The reason behind Vertigo curing itself is that people adapting to the inner ear changes and finding different mechanisms to maintain balance.

Why a neurologist is the right choice to consult for vertigo?

The patient of vertigo should not visit an ENT doctor and must consult a good neurologist as basically it's either a problem of brain or of abnormal signals from the vestibular nerve from the ear. In no way it is a problem of ear per se. A neurologist has the training and expertise to deal with it, not an ENT doc. Also, it's important to consult urgently as sometimes it can be a sign of brain stroke (specially if associated with imbalance). Importantly, to rule out brain lesions like cyst, tumor, clots and nerve infections, consulting a neurologist is the best option available.

Apart from this, these are a few treatments:

Medicines: Medication tends to give relief to symptoms like motion sickness associated with Vertigo.

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Under this treatment, doctors try to aim at the patient s vestibular strengths which send the signals to the body movement and head related to  gravity.

Canalith Repositioning Manoeuvres: In this treatment, a physical therapist suggests different head and body movements, which help to release the deposit out of the canal and into an inner ear which can be absorbed by the body. This treatment is quite effective to treat Vertigo.

Surgery: If the reason behind causing Vertigo is some serious internal problem like tumor or a head injury, then, in such circumstances, surgery is highly recommended.

Conclusion:

There are many treatments and medicines available for Vertigo. They are totally dependent upon the cause, symptoms, and condition of the patient. This is why it is important to consult a doctor or specialist for the best treatment option.

Vertigo - Know The Types & Treatment Of Them!

Are you feeling lightheaded, unbalanced or woozy lately? Are you having strange sensations in the ears and eyes? These indicate that you are suffering from dizziness, a condition affecting the body s sensory organs. It can cause fainting at times as well. It is not a disease, but a symptom of several disorders. Dizziness is caused by inner ear disturbances, effects of medication, motion sickness and underlying health conditions, such as poor blood circulation, infections or injuries.

Test and diagnosis
If you feel dizzy for a prolonged period of time or if the dizziness occurs and reoccurs, a special treatment is required. This is because dizziness may make you prone to several risks in everyday life. Several tests are carried out to find out the cause of the dizziness. If a stroke is suspected, an MRI scan or CT scan is carried out. A physical examination is undertaken in which the way you walk and balance are observed and the nerves of the central nervous system are checked. Hearing and balance tests may also be required, which are as follows:

Eye movement testing in which the path of the eyes is observed while tracking an object in motion. An eye motion test may be given where cold and warm water is placed in the ear canal.
Head movement tests are carried out when benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is suspected.
Treatment
Treatment of dizziness includes medicines, therapies and balance exercises.

Medicines

Water pills are prescribed when a patient has Meniere s disease, which helps in reducing dizziness.
Antihistamines provide temporary relief from dizziness.
Therapy

Head position maneuvers: A technique known as canalith repositioning helps in resolving dizziness quickly. It can be performed by a doctor, therapist or audiologist. The position of the head is maneuvered in the process.
Balance therapy: Several exercises help in making the body s balance system lesser sensitive to motion. This technique, known as vestibular rehabilitation, is used for people suffering from dizziness due to inner ear conditions.
Psychotherapy: This therapy may be used for patients who experience dizziness because of anxiety disorders.
Use of antibiotics: An antibiotic by the name of gentamicin may be injected in the inner ear for disabling the balance function. The unaffected ear performs that function.
Other procedures: A procedure known as labyrinthectomy may be used for disabling the vestibular labyrinth in the affected ear.
If you experience dizziness continuously, it is important for you to visit an ENT specialist. An ENT specialist deals with problems related to the ear, nose and throat and will be able to provide you with the best diagnosis and treatment for dizziness.

Dizziness - Can it be a Sign of Ear Disturbance?

Vertigo refers to dizziness, or spells of dizziness, or rotational dizziness, which can be short term or long term. It is a general symptom for a variety of conditions of the brain, inner ear, sensory nerve pathway, and other sensitive organs. Vertigo has the capability of hampering the day to day functioning of the person. Furthermore, due to these reasons, it has the potential to cause anxiety and depression.

Types of Vertigo & Diagnosis:

Vertigo can be categorized into two major types based on the underlying cause:

1. Peripheral Vertigo: It is said to occur if it is related to the problems of the inner ear, such as its inflammation or an infection in its tiny parts or displacement of tiny particles present in the inner ears.

2. Central Vertigo: It is said to occur if it is related to the problems of the brain (the Central Nervous System) or the sensory nerve pathways.

Vertigo can be diagnosed by physical examination, assessing the medical history followed by undergoing a CT scan or an MRI, as required.

Treatment:

It is important to essentially understand the root cause of the condition and then treat that accordingly for best results.

1. A bacterial infection can be addressed through antibiotics.

2. Nausea and motion sickness can be reduced by using anti-emetics and antihistamines.

3. Sometimes, for patients with intractable Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), surgery is performed to block the area triggering Vertigo.

4. Exercises can also help in managing the milder symptoms of Vertigo without visiting to the doctor for the same.

5. Most of the time, in case of BPPV, physiotherapy is the recommended treatment.

6. Certain lifestyle changes and precautions can be adopted to avoid conditions that trigger Vertigo.

7. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy goes a long way in managing Vertigo.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) for Managing Vertigo:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, abbreviated as VRT, is a program based on exercise that promotes the retraining of the Central Nervous System and repositioning of the free flowing particles in the fluid present in the inner ear. This helps in treating the condition of the inner ear for managing Vertigo. Its application is based on scientific research and evidence. The major goal of this type of treatment is to let the brain establish coordination again with the inner ear, with eye, and with the proprioceptive system for processing information.

The proprioceptive system consists of the sensory receptors which respond to pressure and stretch. Hence, VRT is effective in improving the diminishing quality of life due to Vestibular Disorders like Vertigo, by addressing both, the primary as well as secondary consequences of the condition. Over a period of time, when the patient becomes sufficiently trained under professional guidance, VRT can then be carried out at home at prescribed intervals based on the specific requirement.

Methods for VRT-

Depending on the clinical examination, the three major methods of exercise for Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy can be prescribed, as described below:

1. Habituation exercises are prescribed for those patients who experience dizziness by movement and by visual stimulation.

2. Gaze Stabilization exercises are prescribed for those patients who experience uncontrolled eye movements leading to unclear vision.

3. Balance Training exercises are prescribed for improving steadfastness, to prevent falling, and to restore balance during performing activities like bending, standing and turning, reaching, walking, and running for helping patients return to their daily lives confidently.

Take Away:

Vertigo is the vestibular condition of dizziness that can be managed through methods like Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy for re-training the brain to coordinate with the affected organs. It helps in restoring the quality of life. VRT is mainly practiced through habituation exercises, gaze stabilization exercises, and balance training exercises.

Managing Vertigo Through Physiotherapy And VRT!

Are you aware of the causes and symptoms of vertigo? Also known as bhrama, vertigo is a balance disorder. It is also referred to as a spinning sensation and head rush. A sense of spinning of the nearby surroundings is experienced by a person affected with vertigo. Standing in an upright position becomes difficult. The onset of this condition occurs in several ways. Ayurveda has a complex explanation for vertigo or bhrama, which is as follows:

Ayurvedic approach
According to Ayurveda, vertigo is caused because of your pitta and vata doshas.

When the vata and pitta doshas get excited, an abnormal functioning of the balance mechanism within your inner ear is caused.
A vestibular imbalance, or an imbalance in the inner part of your ear is the primary cause of vertigo. It disrupts the coordination of a stimulus and response.
Any defect or disruption in the proper flow of oxygen to the ear can result in vertigo attacks.
Factors causing imbalance in doshas

Viral infections like common cold
Ear problems like discharges, infections in the ear cavity, and perforation of the eardrum
Certain cardiovascular diseases such as low blood pressure, valve diseases, and improper heart rhythms
Migraine and anemia
Certain neck ailments such as cervical spondylosis
Arthritis and injury to the head that leads to concussions
Ayurvedic treatment

Several Ayurvedic herbs and remedies are used for the treatment of vertigo. These herbs are added to a patient s regular diet. They are as follows:
Ashwagandha improves the flow of oxygen in your body. It is commonly used for dealing with respiratory problems that result in vertigo or bhrama.
Ginkgo is the most effective Ayurvedic herb for curbing all forms of circulatory problems. It enhances the flow of oxygen to various parts of your body. It is ideal for the reduction and elimination of vertigo. It also cures ringing in the ears, which is a common vertigo symptom.
The roots of the vacha tree are effective in giving relief to vertigo patients.
A concoction made of Guduchi Kasaya is effective in curing a vertigo. One should have 30ml of the concoction every morning, at least half an hour before breakfast.
Other important Ayurvedic remedies that help with vertigo management include Triphala, Sarpagandha, Yogendra rasa, Saraswatarishtha, and many others.
It is recommended for you to visit an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting Ayurvedic treatment for vertigo on your own. He will be able to diagnose your condition and severity, and accordingly prescribe the best treatment.

Vertigo - How Ayurveda Can Help You Treat it?

BPPV or Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is a major cause of vertigo. This is a condition that gives a sensation of head spin all of a sudden. It also results in dizziness in brief episodes. The severity level can vary from intense to mild. BPPV is triggered with certain changes of the head position. Although BPPV is bothersome, it isn t serious unless there is a chance of a person falling abruptly because of the head spin. There are ample treatment options available to address this problem.

Symptoms of BPPV
BPPV includes some of the following symptoms:
a. Loss of balance
b. Dizziness
c. Feeling of the surrounding spinning
d. Vomiting and nausea
e. Rhythmic movement of the eye

When to seek medical attention?
If dizziness is accompanied with one of the below-mentioned symptoms, it is time to urgently seek medical attention and get vertigo addressed for good:

Hear loss
Tingling or numbness
Fever accompanies with severe headache
Arm or leg weakness
Problems with vision
Difficulty in walking
Becoming unconscious
Causes of BPPV:
If there is on known cause associated with BPPV, the condition is termed as idiopathic BPPV. In most of the cases, though, BPPV is associated with a severe to minor blow to the head. Other causes include an injury to the inner ear, prolonged sitting position in a fixed posture, even migraine pain is at times associated with BPPV.

What are the risk factors?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is likely to occur in the age group of 50 and above, this being said it can happen at any age in case of any injuries. Statistically, it is found that the likelihood of BPPV is more in women than men. Head injury of any sort is by far the most likely reason of BPPV.

What are the tests and diagnosis involved?
A doctor is likely to perform a physical examination followed by a series of tests. Some typical signs that a doctor looks for include the following:
Ability to control eye movement- especially side to side movement

Symptoms of dizziness
In case it is difficult to spot the symptoms, a doctor might suggest video- nystagmography or electronystagmography. It helps to track irregular eye movement. An MRI can also be prescribed to study the cross-sectional images of the body and the head.

Treatments associated with BPPV:
BPPV mostly go away within months or weeks on its own. If however, it still persists, a doctor can suggest Canalith Repositioning- series of small movements that helps to counter BPPV. For extreme cases, a doctor might advise a surgery for blocking the portion of the inner ear that might be causing the problem. It guarantees close to a 100 percent fix to BPPV.

Vertigo / Dizziness - When To Seek Medical Attention?

Vertigo is marked by a feeling of dizziness and disorientation. This feeling could be so bad that even standing up makes a person feel lightheaded. Vertigo can even make a person feel nauseous. 

The five most common causes of vertigo are:

Meniere s disease: Meniere s disease is a condition that affects the inner ear. It is marked by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear as a result of a viral infection, allergies or an injury to the ear. Along with dizziness, it can also cause a ringing noise in the ears, the feeling of having plugged ears and hearing loss. Vertigo caused by Meniere s disease can last for months.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is one of the most common triggers of vertigo. This condition is caused by small crystals that break free and float in the inner ear canals. These canals are known as semicircular canals. Vertigo caused by BPPV is usually short-lived and relieves itself is a few minutes. Moving the head in a certain way or jerky movements can trigger vertigo in such cases. The exact cause of this condition is not clear but it has been often associated with severe head trauma.
Labyrinthitis: This condition is also known as vestibular neuritis. It is marked by swelling and irritation of the two vestibular nerves in the inner ear canal. Labyrinthitis may be caused by a viral infection or an inner ear infection. In such cases, vertigo may be accompanied by hearing loss. Older adults are at the highest risk of this condition.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A simple vitamin deficiency can also cause vertigo and dizziness. Vitamin B12 helps prevent anaemia and keeps nerves and blood cells healthy. Low levels of this vitamin can cause neurological problems that in turn cause vertigo. This is because vitamin deficiencies reduce blood pressure and blood flow to the brain. A simple blood test can help check Vitamin B1 levels and identify a deficiency. Some of the best sources of vitamin B12 are dairy products, meats and fortified cereals.
Dehydration: 60% of the human body mass is water. Water plays a number of roles in the human body. One of the most important functions of water is the circulation of nutrients in the body and blood flow. Thus, even mild dehydration can make a person feel dizzy and nauseous. This type of vertigo may be relieved by drinking copious amounts of fluids. 

Vertigo - 5 Most Common Problems That Can Lead To It!

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