Vertigo is a sensation of feeling off balance.
If you have these dizzy spells, you might feel like you are spinning or the world around you is spinning.
Photo via Thrive Physical Therapy
Causes of vertigo
Did you know that vertigo is often caused by an inner ear problem?
#1 BPPV
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV occurs when tiny calcium particles are dislodged from their normal location and collected in the inner ear.
The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. It helps you keep your balance!
#2 Meniere’s disease
This is an inner ear disorder thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the ear.
It can cause episodes of vertigo along with ringing in the ears and hearing loss.
#3 Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
This is an ear problem usually related to infection (usually viral).
The infection causes inflammation in the inner ear around nerves that are important for helping the body sense balance.
People who suffers from vertigo typically describe it as feeling like they are:
-
Spinning
-
Tilting
-
Swaying
-
Unbalanced
-
Pulled to one direction
Other symptoms include:
-
Feeling nauseated
-
Vomiting
-
Abnormal or jerking eye movements
-
Headache
-
Sweating
-
Ringing in the ears or hearing loss
How to treat it?
Finding out the root cause of the vertigo and treating it is the only way to manage it. If migraines are the cause, for instance, medication and reducing your stress may help!
However, if vertigo is caused by a more serious underlying problem such as a tumour or injury to the brain or neck, please talk to your doctor!
Hope this helps!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
