Vertigo is often described as a feeling of spinning in oneself or the environment. As can be seen, this condition significantly disturbs not only the person’s balance and orientation, but also the ability to perform daily activities.
Causes of vertigo
Vertigo is often caused by problems in the vestibular system, which is part of the inner ear and is responsible for maintaining balance and orientation in space. The most common causes of vertigo include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or simply positional vertigo: Positional vertigo is a condition caused by problems in the inner ear, specifically the labyrinths that help control balance by sending impulses to the brain. Labyrinths consist of semicircular tubes with sensors to detect head movements and position, also incorporating tiny calcium crystals called otoliths or otoconia. When these crystals become detached, they move freely in the inner ear fluids and can enter the semicircular canals, causing excessive stimulation and vertigo during head movements.
- Meniere’s disease: This is an inner ear disorder caused by fluid buildup and changing pressure in the ear. It can lead to episodes of vertigo combined with hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis: This condition is the result of an infection that causes inflammation around the nerves that help the body maintain its balance.
Possible causes include migraines, head or neck injuries, certain brain conditions such as stroke or a tumor, medications that damage the ear, and aging.
Symptoms of vertigo
The primary symptom of vertigo is the sensation of spinning in oneself or the environment. Other symptoms that may accompany vertigo include:
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus).
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or hearing loss.
Symptoms can last from a few minutes to several hours or longer and may come and go.
Treatment options for vertigo
Treatment for vertigo depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. In the first phase, a type of physical therapy aimed at strengthening the vestibular system can be applied. If it is positional vertigo, then special manipulations can be carried out which include a number of exercises aimed at transporting and repositioning the otoliths, from the semicircular tubes of the labyrinths to their original position. Medicines may also be prescribed to relieve symptoms such as nausea associated with vertigo. In some cases, medications that reduce fluid build-up in the ear are used for Meniere’s disease.
Vertigo is a complex condition with several possible causes, each of which dictates the appropriate treatment. Accurate diagnosis and implementation of tailored treatment plans are essential to effectively manage vertigo and improve patients’ quality of life. ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou successfully diagnoses the underlying cause of the vertigo and then proceeds with its treatment.