The sensation of vertigo is a symptom, not a disease. It’s the perception that you or your surroundings are whirling or moving.
This sensation may be hardly perceptible or it may be so strong that it makes it difficult for you to maintain your equilibrium and carry out daily duties.
Vertigo attacks might start out slowly and last only a few seconds or they can continue much longer. Living a normal life can be quite challenging if you have severe vertigo because your symptoms may be persistent and last for several days.
Vertigo may also cause other symptoms, such as
- Loss of balance – which can make it difficult to stand or walk
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Dizziness
What causes vertigo?
Vertigo is frequently brought on by an issue with how the inner ear regulates balance, but it can also be brought on by issues with specific brain regions.
Vertigo can have a variety of causes, such as
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – where certain head movements trigger vertigo
- Migraines – severe headaches
- Labyrinthitis – an inner ear infection
- Vestibular neuronitis – inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which runs into the inner ear and sends messages to the brain that help to control balance
You can also suffer other symptoms, such as a high temperature, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss, depending on the illness underlying your vertigo.
How is vertigo treated?
Some vertigo instances get better on their own over time. However, some individuals—like those with Meniere’s disease—experience recurrent episodes over the course of many months or even years.
Some vertigo causes have particular therapies available. The Epley procedure, a sequence of easy head motions, is used to treat BPPV.
Prochlorperazine and some other antihistamines are effective in treating vertigo in its early stages in the majority of instances.
Vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT), a set of exercises for persons with dizziness and balance issues, is helpful for many people with vertigo as well.
Taking care of yourself
- Do simple exercises to correct your symptoms
- Sleep with your head slightly raised on two or more pillows
- Get up slowly when getting out of bed and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute or so before standing
- Avoid extending your neck – for example, while reaching up to a high shelf
- Avoid bending down to pick up items
- Move your head carefully and slowly during daily activities
- Do exercises that trigger your vertigo, so your brain gets used to it and reduces the symptoms (do these only after making sure you won’t fall, and have support if needed)