Vertigo & Dizziness is a sense of lightheadedness that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating or a feeling of dizziness. Vertigo is a common ailment that can affect people of all ages, but it is more common among the elderly. Vertigo and dizziness can manifest in a variety of ways, including lightheadedness or fainting.
Vertigo is a more severe form of dizziness. People with vertigo feel like they or their surroundings are spinning or moving, which can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating, or loss of balance.
Causes
Vertigo is often caused by vestibular disorders, which functions to detect the body balance and movement. Common causes of vertigo include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) develops when calcium carbonate (limestone) particles becoming dislodged inside the inner ear. It can cause vertigo when you move your head.
- Meniere’s Disease is caused by changes in pressure and fluid buildup in the inner ear. It can cause causing dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, and ringing in the ears.
- Vestibular Neuritis is caused by inflammation of vestibulocochlear nerve of inner ear. It can cause severe dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
- Labyrinthitis is caused by a viral or bacterial infection of inner ear. It can cuase dizziness, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
Dizziness is a common symptom that can have a number of causes, including
- Low blood pressure: Sudden fall in blood pressure can make you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.
- Low blood sugar: People with diabetes can feel dizzy when their blood sugar level is too low.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration and dizziness.
- Side effects of medications: Some medications can lead to dizziness.
- Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can affect your nervous system and cause dizziness.
- Sleep deprivation
Treatment for vertigo and dizziness
Treatment for vertigo depends on its cause. If it is caused by an inner ear disorder, your doctor might suggest taking medication to ease symptoms or engaging in physical therapy to rebalance your central nervous system. In some cases, surgery may be required.
You should see a doctor right away if you suffer from frequent, severe dizziness or any other symptoms, including a strong headache, fainting, numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, slurred speech, double vision, unsteady walking, or fever.
Self-care for vertigo and dizziness
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid sudden changes in posture
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages
Dizziness can be a sign of a disease or disorder. For an accurate diagnosis and course of treatment, you should consult a doctor if you experience frequent or severe dizziness.
