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A sense of dizziness, spinning, and loss of balance can be the symptoms of Vertigo. While the condition of this disorder can be caused by various reasons, it is primarily associated with inner ear issues. Understanding its signs can help in determining if medical attention is required or not.
If these symptoms last for minutes or hours at a time accompanied by other problems like nausea, puking, ringing in the ears, sweating, difficulty in balance, or blurred vision, this might be the initial phase of vertigo. People can also feel anxious or fearful due to their inability to control their movements without feeling dizzy.
This problem can range from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is the most common cause of the disorder, in which the patient feels a sudden spinning inside their head, it occurs when small crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and move into one of the semicircular canals that control balance to vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis (inflammation of the depth of the ear or the nerves that connect the center to the brain). It usually occurs when an infection inflames the inner ear’s nerve pathways.
Another potential cause of vertigo is Meniere. It is believed to be caused by an inner ear disorder that can affect hearing and balance, resulting in episodes of severe dizziness, ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and pressure inside the head.
To diagnose this disease, a physical examination and other tests like MRI or CT scan can be done, and the doctor usually reviews the patient’s medical history and symptoms they are suffering from. The most common test to diagnose the disease is Dix-Hallpike testing, it is used to determine if there are any vestibular abnormalities in the ear that might be causing the signs.
There are various treatment options available for vertigo, which includes medication, change in lifestyle, physical therapy, and even surgeries in some cases. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is the first line of Vertigo treatment in Singapore, which involves exercises that help the brain learn how to compensate for the loss of balance due to the infection. Medication like vestibular suppressants and antihistamines can also ease in reducing the symptoms of discomfort.
Surgeries might work for those with severe vertigo symptoms and VRT or medication are not able to improve their health. To reduce the signs, surgical procedures like posterior canal plugging or endolymphatic sac decompression can work effectively. However, go for the surgical treatment only when other remedies get failed.
The signs of the disorder in a BPPV phase can come and go in time intervals. It usually lasts for a minute or less. While in Meniere’s condition, the episodes can last longer than 20 minutes. And migraine-induced vertigo can last for up to hours.
In some cases, this condition can be hereditary as well. It is also known as familial benign recurrent vertigo or hereditary vertigo. This is commonly reported during the first trimester of pregnancy as well. BPPV is the common type in a pregnant woman.
Factors causing vertigo during pregnancy include fluctuation in hormonal levels or hormonal imbalance, prolonged bed rest, and changes in the metabolism of certain nutrients.
While it may always be not possible to prevent the disease, some steps can be taken to reduce the risks of developing the symptoms. These steps may include –
Millions of people get affected by vertigo every year. While it can be an exhausting experience, there are a variety of treatments available to manage its symptoms. The patients have plenty of options to choose from either medication or physical therapy or surgical treatment.
So, go to your nearest ENT doctor, understand the signs, and take the necessary preventions to reduce the disease, manage the condition, and improve the quality of your life.
