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Vertigo causes an abnormal sensation of spinning, making the individual feel as though the head is moving when it is not. It typically arises from a problem within the inner ear, though it may also occur when the brain is affected by conditions such as stroke or tumor. Treatment options for vertigo vary and may include medication, repositioning maneuvers, or surgical intervention.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the sensation that the surroundings are spinning around the individual. It leads to dizziness and loss of balance. In addition to being a condition on its own, vertigo may also be considered a symptom of other health problems. Symptoms that may occur during an episode of vertigo include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Balance disturbances
- Hearing loss in the ears
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
Types of Vertigo
Vertigo is classified into two main types: peripheral and central. Peripheral vertigo is the most common form and occurs when there is a problem in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve. Subtypes of peripheral vertigo include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
- Labyrinthitis
- Vestibular neuritis
- Ménière’s disease
Central vertigo is less common and develops when conditions affecting the brain—such as infection, stroke, or traumatic brain injury—are present. Individuals with central vertigo typically experience more severe symptoms, such as pronounced imbalance or difficulty walking.
What Are the Symptoms of Vertigo?
The primary symptom of vertigo is the sensation that the surrounding environment or the person in front is moving or spinning. This spinning sensation often leads to nausea and vomiting.
Other symptoms of vertigo include:
- Difficulty focusing the eye
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Dizziness
- Hearing loss in one or both ears
- Loss of balance
- Nausea and vomiting
If vertigo is related to a neurological problem, additional symptoms may occur, such as:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Double vision
- Abnormal eye movements
- Facial paralysis
- Speech disturbances
- Weakness in the limbs
What Causes Vertigo?
The causes of vertigo vary from person to person, though it most commonly arises from inner ear problems. Potential causes of vertigo include:
- Migraine headaches
- Diabete
- Certain medications
- Head injuries
- Prolonged bed rest
- Shingles affecting the ear or nearby areas
- Stroke
- Arrhythmia
- Ear surgery
- Syphilis
- Leakage of inner ear fluid into the middle ear
- Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
- Low blood pressur
- Ataxia (muscle weakness)
- Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth affecting the middle ear)
- Brain disorders
Multiple sclerosis (MS)In women, the causes of vertigo include inner ear disorders, hormonal fluctuations, migraines, low blood pressure, anemia, and neurological conditions.
How is Vertigo Diagnosed?
An otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) can diagnose vertigo. After reviewing the patient’s symptoms, the specialist will conduct an ear examination and evaluate eye movements. To identify the underlying cause of vertigo, the following tests may be performed:
- Hearing tests to assess inner ear function
- Caloric testing by applying warm or cold air to the inner ear
- Electronystagmography to evaluate how well the inner ear and related nerves in the brain function
- Fukuda–Unterberger test, involving marching in place for 30 seconds with eyes closed
- Head impulse test to examine vestibular function
- Romberg test, where the patient stands still with feet together and eyes closed
- Vestibular test battery to check for disorders of the vestibular system in the inner ear
- MRI and CT scans to detect abnormalities in the inner ear or brain
How is Vertigo Treated?
The treatment of vertigo varies depending on the underlying cause. The most commonly applied treatment methods include:
- Medication therapy: Helps reduce dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
- Physical therapy: Balance-improving exercises are recommended.
- Repositioning maneuvers: If vertigo is caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear (BPPV), maneuvers such as Epley or Semont may be applied.
- Surgical treatment: In rare cases, surgery may be required to correct structural problems in the inner ear.
- Treatment of underlying conditions: Addressing migraine, infections, diabetes, or neurological disorders can also help control vertigo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertigo
How to cure vertigo permanently?
Vertigo does not have a permanent cure. However, treating underlying causes such as BPPV, migraines, or inner ear disorders may provide long-term relief.
What is the reason for vertigo?
Vertigo is most commonly associated with inner ear problems such as Ménière’s disease or vestibular neuritis, and in some cases may be linked to migraines, stroke, or head trauma.
How long does vertigo last?
Depending on the cause, vertigo may last from a few seconds to several days. In chronic or recurrent cases, it can persist for weeks.
How long does a bout of vertigo last?
An episode typically lasts from a few minutes to several hours, though in conditions such as Ménière’s disease, it may extend for a full day or longer.
How to stop dizziness from vertigo?
Dizziness can be managed with the Epley maneuver, balance exercises, anti-nausea medications, and by treating the underlying condition.
Which department should be consulted for vertigo?
Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo should be carried out in the Ear Nose and Throat department.
