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Vertigo is a specific sensation of spinning or motion that can be disorienting and disruptive to daily life. While often used interchangeably with dizziness, vertigo has a distinct set of symptoms that point to underlying conditions. Here is more information on this condition and how it is treated:
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the illusion of movement, either of oneself or the surrounding environment. Dizziness from vertigo may feel like spinning or swaying, even when staying still. These sensations may be accompanied by other symptoms, like nausea or abnormal eye movements. There are two primary categories of vertigo, each stemming from different parts of the body:
- Peripheral: This is the most common type and results from a problem within the inner ear or the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain. Conditions such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis can cause this peripheral type.
- Central: This type originates from an issue within the brain, specifically in the cerebellum or brainstem. Central types can be caused by conditions such as stroke, tumors, migraines, infections, or multiple sclerosis.
How Is It Related to Dizziness?
The terms “dizziness” and “vertigo” are frequently confused, but they describe different experiences. Dizziness is a broad, non-specific term that can encompass a variety of sensations, including lightheadedness, faintness, or a feeling of unsteadiness. A person might feel dizzy if they stand up too quickly, but they will not necessarily experience a spinning sensation.
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the false sense of rotational movement. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis in itself, and it points toward a disruption in the body’s vestibular system. While all vertigo is a form of dizziness, not all dizziness is vertigo; this distinction is key for identifying the root cause of the symptoms.
What Can Treat This Condition?
Treatment for vertigo depends entirely on its underlying cause. A healthcare professional must first determine the origin of the symptoms before recommending a course of action. Once a diagnosis is made, several approaches may be recommended to manage or resolve the condition. Some potential treatment options include:
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: For BPPV, a series of specific head and body movements can help reposition small crystals in the inner ear that are causing the vertigo.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy: This physical therapy is designed to help strengthen the vestibular system and train the brain to compensate for inner ear deficits.
- Medication: Certain medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms like nausea or motion sickness, and other medications may treat the underlying condition itself.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: For some conditions, changes in sleeping position and moving slowly when standing up may help ease symptoms.
Contact a Neuro-rehabilitation Specialist
Persistent or severe vertigo and dizziness can impact your life and may indicate an underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing these symptoms, contact a neurological clinic for an evaluation today. A professional can perform a thorough examination, determine the cause of your symptoms, and recommend personalized treatments.
