What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a feeling that is often described as the world spinning around you.

These dizzy spells may get worse with movement and could be accompanied by nausea.

What causes Vertigo?

Several things can cause vertigo, including an inner ear infection and an inner ear disorder called Meniere's disease.

It can uncommonly be caused by injuries, ear damage, headaches, or brain problems.

The most common cause, especially among older adults, is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. With BPPV, calcium particles in the inner ear can come loose and clump up in the inner ear canals and impair your balance.

How is it treated?

Treatments for vertigo depend on what is causing it. Antibiotics may be necessary if an infection is the cause, or diuretics for Meniere's disease to reduce fluid buildup.

Surgery or physical therapy can also improve the condition.

For the most common cause, BPPV, your doctor can teach you some manoeuvres to help move the calcium crystals out of the ear canal and provide relief from vertigo. While these manoeuvres can be effective, it may also take several times before the vertigo goes away

Is dizziness always Vertigo?

Vertigo is a very common cause of dizziness, especially for seniors. However, not all dizziness is vertigo. Dizziness can be caused by medications that a person is taking, such as high blood pressure medication. If blood pressure is too low, it can make someone dizzy if they get up too quickly.

 Other medications can cause damage to the inner ear and cause hearing loss and dizziness. It is important to talk to your doctor about all of your symptoms to ensure the proper diagnosis and treatment decisions are made.

Dizziness can be difficult to live with if it makes it hard for you to perform daily tasks. Whether the cause is vertigo, medications, or another underlying condition, please visit our ENT DEPARTMENT. AT  Wockhardt Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.