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 by 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, 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 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.

Dizziness is usually described as a variety of sensations which comprise of a feeling of faintness, unsteady, weak, light-headed, giddy or woozy. When dizziness causes a false feeling of spinning and the moving surroundings is known as vertigo.
Dizziness can be one of the most common reasons for a visit to the doctor. However, the constant feeling of dizziness can affect a person's life drastically, but it is rarely life-threatening. The treatment of dizzy sensation and dizziness mostly depends on the symptoms.

Causes of Dizziness-
The common causes of dizziness are medication, motion sickness and ear problems, especially disturbances of the inner ear. An injury, infection or poor blood circulation can also lead to dizziness. The triggers of dizziness and the sensations it provides are used to evaluate the cause. Also, the duration of the dizziness and the symptoms lead to a clue towards the cause of the same.

Dizziness Caused By the Inner Ear Problems
The balance of the body depends on the combined effort of many parts of the sensory system. These are:

• Sensory Nerves: These send messages to the brain in regard to the body positions and its movements
• Inner Ear: The inner ear has the organ of Corti which are responsible for detecting the motions and thereby help in the balance of the body.

In vertigo, a person might feel that the things around them are moving thus creating a swaying or a spinning motion. Vertigo is usually caused by the problems of the inner ear. 

The common causes are:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This happens when the calcium particles accumulate in the inner ear canals. The inner ear is responsible for body movements and balance.
• Meniere's disease, a problem of the inner ear mainly caused by the build-up of the fluids thereby leading to a change in pressure. This causes vertigo along with hearing loss and tinnitus.
• Vestibular neuritis is the problem of the inner ear and is largely due to infection. Infection leads to swelling of the nerves of the inner ear which affect the body movements.

Treatment of Vertigo Includes:

• Rehabilitation of the vestibular system by physical therapy in order to strengthen it.
• Canalith repositioning by suggesting somebody and head movements basically for BVVP. These movements help to move the calcium deposits from the inner ear canals to one of the chambers, which are further absorbed by the body. When the canaliths (calcium deposits) move, it might give rise to vertigo.
• Medicines are given to relieve symptoms of motion sickness and nausea. Antibiotics can be taken in case of infection and swelling.
• Surgery in some cases.

Vertigo is a feeling that your head or your surrounding is spinning. It is an illusion of movement. People with vertigo cannot bend down to pick up stuff, as they may feel the spinning sensation.

There are two types i.e. objective and subjective. Vertigo is said to an objective when the surrounding seems to be spinning; subjective is when the person feels their head is spinning. Vertigo can be slightly mysterious to diagnose. There are, however, some causes which can help you understand it better. There are two main types of vertigo: Central and Peripheral. Central vertigo is when there is an issue in the brain that is causing vertigo. Middle ear problems leading to vertigo is known as peripheral vertigo.

Central vertigo:

• Paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Also known as, Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). These episodes are benign and occur in paroxysms or spurts. The person will feel the attack with simple actions like turning over in bed. They do not last long, often about 20 to 30 seconds.
• Migraine: Known for severe headaches, migraine can also cause vertigo.
• Head trauma: This type of vertigo usually subsides with time as the person recovers from trauma.
• Neck injuries: Injury to nerves and blood vessels in the neck can also lead to vertigo.
• Health conditions: General health issues like arteriosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes lead to vertigo.
• Stroke or blood flow blockage: When blood does not reach the base of the brain, it can result in vertigo.

Peripheral vertigo:

• Middle ear infections: Labyrinthitis (either bacterial or viral) a middle ear infection can cause vertigo. Common viruses include herpes, influenza, measles, rubella, hepatitis, and EBV.
• Meniere’s disease: Another ear problem causing vertigo is Meniere’s disease. This is known for its 3 symptoms – vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss. This can be caused by various factors, some of which can include ear infections, head injuries, or heredity. The exact cause of the condition is not established clearly.
• Acoustic neuroma: A tumor of the nerve tissue in the inner ear may cause vertigo. The person can also have hearing loss and a ringing sensation.

Other causes of vertigo include:

• Pregnancy: During the first trimester, in particular, the various hormonal changes can cause vertigo. The expanding uterus puts pressure on the blood vessels, leading to the reduced blood supply to the brain, which can also induce vertigo. As the baby continues to grow, lying on the back can put pressure on the blood vessels to the heart, causing vertigo.
• Stress: It is known to worsen vertigo, which a person may already have. Anxiety and panic attacks are known to worsen vertigo.
• Travelers: Be it ship, air, or train, some people experience a spinning sensation with any form of travel.
   

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.

Balance disorder is more prevalent in old people but they are not the only ones who are affected by it. There are many causes that can lead to balance disorder and some of them can be controlled. Balance problem causes spinning of head coupled with dizziness while standing or sitting which can lead to an injurious fall.

Symptoms

The common symptoms of balance disorder include :

-       Dizziness
-       Nausea
-       Depression, anxiety or fear
-       Blurred vision
-       Disorientation
-       Tiredness
-       Inability to concentrate
-       Changes in heart rate and blood pressure

Causes

-       Ear infection

If the vestibular system (which is also called the labyrinth) inside your ear gets infected and inflamed, it can cause balance disorder. This is because the inner part of the ear is responsible for coordination and balance. This condition is known as labyrinthitis and it is frequently accompanied by dizziness and vertigo. Viral and respiratory infections can also cause labyrinthitis.

-       Poor circulation

Certain diseases associated with the circulatory system such as stroke can cause dizziness and various other balance problems.

-       Medications

There are certain medications that can lead to balance disorder. For example: medications to normalize blood pressure can cause dizziness. Ototoxic drugs are infamous for causing ear problems that lead to imbalance. Sometimes its effects are felt only during the period of using but many people have suffered permanent ear damage.

Other causes of balance disorder include head injury, imbalance of chemicals in the brain, arthritis, neurological conditions and aging.

Prevention

-       Balanced diet

Meniere's disease is a condition that causes ear problems which lead to vertigo. It is primarily connected to the change in the volume of fluid in the inner ear. Try to eliminate salt from your diet and abstain from alcohol in order to prevent such a condition.

-       Prevention of ear infections

Otitis media is a common kind of ear infection seen in children but adults can have it too. It causes dizziness and nausea. Completing the antibiotics course helps prevent this infection.
One can also opt for an annual flu shot to keep away the flu- related infections in the ear.
 

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.

Sound travels through different parts of the hearing system to produce the ultimate sense of sound in the brain. People can hear when a sound wave stimulates the neurological component of the inner ear and takes the sound signals to the brain.

When there is a problem with the ear, human beings cannot hear, or hear garbled sounds. Hearing loss may have different reasons. There may be a tumor in the ear, a problem with the eardrum, the inner ear or the neurological structure. Different conditions can plague the hearing system and cause hearing loss. Some of these conditions can be serious and require medical intervention.

Let us discuss 3 such conditions where the intervention of an audiologist is a must.

Tinnitus and Vertigo

 Tinnitus is a medical term for a sense of ringing in the ears. It’s annoying, to say the least. But more importantly, it could be a sign of hearing loss. This is why people need to see an audiologist if they have a sense of Tinnitus for a prolonged time. An audiologist can first diagnose the condition, and can then treat this problem with the help of specialized hearing aids.

 Vertigo and dizziness are the other two problems that result from a hearing system problem. It may create balance disorders. It is said that vertigo originates in the inner ear. Vertigo can also be treated with the help of physical therapy and medicine.

 Sudden Hearing Loss

 The human ear cannot hear sounds greater than 85 dB in intensity and 20,000 Hertz in tone. If the sound tone is less than 20 Hertz, then too the human ear is not able to hear anything. Between these two polarities, the human ear is able to catch all types of sounds. If human beings are exposed to sound waves of more than 85 dB in intensity, the ears may get damaged. In that case one may suffer from hearing loss. If a person has recently experienced huge changes in air pressure, exposed to blaring music or noise at close quarters, or had an accident causing loss of hearing, one needs to see an audiologist. The ears need to be assessed for trauma, if any, and treated quickly. However, hearing loss may have other reasons too such as reactions to medicines, head injury or some kind of illness that affects the hearing system. An audiologist would be able to make the right determination.

 Recurrent Ear Infections

This is common in children, but that does not mean that adults are immune to it. If there is chronic ear pain, difficulty in hearing along with drainage and fever or a feeling of pressure, an ear infection is most likely. Any doctor can detect an ear infection, however, if it is a recurrent one needs to see an audiologist. He has the wherewithal to evaluate the middle ear with different tests. A person may need treatment that only an audiologist can do.

There can be many situations in which a visit to an Audiologist is warranted; the above 3 are just a tip of the iceberg.

How to Manage Vertigo 

Tiding over an attack of vertigo can be quite challenging. Those who have suffered from vertigo know exactly how distressing it can be! It could happen anytime, anywhere and spin your life out of control within minutes.

Vertigo is a term used to describe a sensation as if everything around you is spinning with a feeling of light-headedness, dizziness and/or unsteadiness. It may be associated with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, altered level of consciousness and hearing loss. It can last a few seconds to a few minutes and occasionally longer too. Vertigo is a common medical problem and affects a large number of people at some point or another during their life.

Some people get recurrent attacks of vertigo and the acute attacks when they come – come suddenly and may lead to falls and injuries to the one suffering. If you or your loved one is suffering from vertigo, it is important to know few First Aid tips, which are of great help during an acute attack of dizziness.

• As soon as you feel that you are feeling giddy, it is very important for you to lie down or sit down to prevent a fall. Lying down and resting your head against a pillow with closed eyes is the best thing to do during an acute attack
• If you are an alone call for help
• If you are driving then pull over to the side as soon as you start feeling dizzy
• Loosen up tight clothing
• Open all the windows in the room as fresh air will help you feel better
• A calm and quiet environment can help alleviate your symptoms
• Avoid bright light; a dark room is preferred
• If you are not nauseous, drink sips of water. Avoid substances that can affect circulation including caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
• Herbal remedies such as ginger root and mint leaves are known to reduce symptoms in some people
• When you feel the dizziness has settled, turn to your side and get up from the lying down position gradually

Once the acute attack is over it is recommended that you get yourself evaluated for the cause of vertigo. The treatment and management are more successful if you address the cause of vertigo instead of the symptoms. To know more about vertigo

Once the cause is established and you are under treatment, the following steps will help avoid further attacks.

• Once you know you have vertigo, it is important for you to get up from the bed slowly. A sudden jerk to the neck while getting up from the bed can precipitate an attack of vertigo
• Avoid too much of neck extension and strain on your neck as well
• Avoid sudden postural changes
• Sometimes an ear infection too can precipitate an attack of vertigo. If you are suspecting an ear infection, it is better that you get yourself checked and treated for the same to get rid of vertigo
• Fluid intake at regular intervals is known to help
• If you have a feeling that your medications are not helping you, talk to your doctor he might consider changing your medicine

If you are suffering from severe and frequent episodes of vertigo you must take Homoeopathic treatment to get long-lasting and complete relief. Homeopathy is based on natural laws and holistic principles. It takes into consideration the complete history which not only helps to find out the cause but also helps treat the root cause of vertigo. There are more than 50 natural, chemical and side-effect free medicines in the Homeopathic repertoire for vertigo. Consult our expert Homeopathy physicians and get freedom from vertigo today! 

A balancing problem often causes dizziness. When you are standing still, you will have a feeling like everything around you is moving and spinning and that is due to dizziness. Labyrinth is one of the organs present inside the ear, which is a part of the balance system. This organ will interact with the other body organs as well like eyes, bones, joints, etc. Along with these organs, the nervous system and brain can also contribute towards your trouble in balancing.

Symptoms:
There are different symptoms that a person with balancing trouble may face Some of them are as follows:

• Unable to walk straight as everything around seems to be spinning
• Unable to stand up
• Vertigo or dizziness
• A tendency to fall down while walking
• Lightheadedness
• Blurry vision
• Disorientation

There are some people who also have problems such as nausea, vomiting, blood pressure, change in heartbeat, diarrhea, anxiety, etc. These symptoms usually last for a short time, but in rare conditions, they last really long.

Causes of balancing trouble:
Bacterial or viral infection, blood circulation disorders, and head injury can be some of the reasons for affecting the internal part of the ear. Along with that, aging and some kind of medications can also cause balance trouble. Basically, the four areas mentioned below may lead to a trouble in balancing:

• Any problem in the brain and its connecting nerves
• Labyrinth disturbances
• Any kind of problem with the body apart from the brain and head
• Problems related to blood flow

How is the balancing problem diagnosed?
Based on the symptoms and many other factors, the affected individual will be diagnosed. It is not at all easy to detect balancing problems. The following tests are conducted to determine the problem:

• Blood tests
• Exams for hearing
• Scans for brain
• Scans of head

Here is how an audiologist can help you
When you are having hearing and balancing issues, it is always good to consult a certified audiologist. Vertigo or balancing problems can be due to many conditions inside the ear; therefore, an audiologic evaluation should be conducted. The basic cause and the possible treatment for it can be suggested with the help of this evaluation only.

Based on the audiologic evaluation results and the medical findings, the audiologist will be able to find a way to treat dizziness. You will be provided more information about Vertigo in order to understand it in a much better way. So, when the cause is clear and you understand the ailment better, it gets easier for the doctor to treat you and you will be relieved from the scary feeling of getting unbalanced and falling.

What Causes Meniere’s Disease?
Meniere's Disease is a disorder that basically affects the sense of balance and hearing of the patient. This condition takes place in the inner ear and it may cause problems like vertigo, where patients experience a spinning sensation and a ringing sound as well. This is a chronic disorder, which requires a number of lifestyle changes so that it can be managed and treated without becoming a debilitating problem.

Read on to know more about the symptoms and causes of the condition.

Symptoms: The various signs and symptoms of this disease include a feeling of fullness in the ear, which has been affected by the condition. Also, most patients have a spinning sensation and a ringing sound in the affected ear. Nausea and vomiting may also be caused by this condition, along with sweating and loss of balance. It is also normal to feel uncoordinated when you are suffering from this condition.

Secondary Symptoms: This condition may also cause many other complications, which are known as secondary symptoms. These include anxiety, depression and stress. This usually happens due to the problems in the ear and even the problem of vertigo. This may cause problems for people who climb heights or ladders for their work or even for other recreational causes. The constant sense of dizziness and spinning may cause a person to become anxious and undertake stress when it comes to carrying out various kinds of functions in day to day living.

Causes: There are various causes of this condition, even though many medical reports suggest that the exact cause has not really been understood so far. As any doctor will tell you, the in the inner ear there is a labyrinth which contains fluids. When there is a problem with the composition and level of these fluids, the patient may develop Meniere’s Disease. This condition specifically affects the inner part of the ear. This part is made up of passages and a cavity as well as soft membrane like structures with hair like sensors. These sensors respond to the fluid’s movement within the ear. When this fluid does not have the appropriate levels, it can lead to many complications like Meniere’s Disease, which affect the nerve impulse that these sensors catch and transmit to the brain.

Stages: This disease progresses over a set of three stages. In the very first stage, the patient will experience much dizziness and nausea, before that progresses to the second stage. In this stage, the patient will have moderate to severe vertigo. This is also known as the middle stage. Finally, this may culminate into the third or late stage, which leads to more frequent episodes of vertigo. The hearing of the patient and the ringing sound in the ears will also get worse in this stage.