What is vertigo?
Accurate diagnosis can help improve your mobility and live a better life.
Vertigo types, causes & treatments
It is important to note that “vertigo” is not a condition, but rather a symptom of a condition.
Our job at the Vertigo Clinic is to try to identify what is causing your vertigo and to treat it accordingly.
Dizziness and vertigo are words often used synonymously, and it can be very hard for patients to accurately describe their symptoms. They might used words like swaying, rocking, bobbing, light-headedness, dizziness, imbalance or unsteadiness, disorientation, woolly-headed, heavy-headed, foggy, wooziness and the list goes on…
“Vertigo”, in the true sense of the word when we talk about it medically, is a sensation that you, or your surroundings, are moving or spinning when there is no actual movement. Sometimes that movement is side to side, up and down, or rotational. True vertigo is commonly caused by issues within the inner ear or the vestibular system of the brain – these areas play a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
When a doctor tells you, “you have vertigo”, what they often mean is that you have a condition called BPPV – benign paroxysmal positional vertigo – a very common cause of vertigo. But there can be any number of reasons why you experience vertigo and many more reasons why you feel dizzy, light-headed, woozy or disoriented. Getting a full history of your symptoms followed by an in-depth physical assessment by an experienced clinician is very important to identify the actual cause of your vertigo.
Types of Vertigo
Peripheral Vertigo
Arises from dysfunction in the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
Causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, and acoustic neuroma.
Central Vertigo
Results from abnormalities in the central nervous system, particularly the brainstem or cerebellum.
Causes may include migraines, multiple sclerosis, cerebellar disease, strokes affecting the cerebellum or brainstem, or functional neurological disorders such as PPPD.
Other causes of dizziness, vertigo and imbalance
Medications, cervicogenic dizziness, head injuries, infections, age related balance dysfunction and certain systemic diseases.
Prevention of Vertigo
The important thing about prevention of vertigo is to work out what is causing it in the first place.
For example, if you have BPPV, there is a very simple treatment to fix it and the therapists at the Vertigo Clinic can teach you self-treatments to do at home for this. If you have had vestibular neuritis, there are exercises which can help with your recovery.
If you have an acoustic neuroma, you will need to be seen by an Ear Nose Throat Specialist and perhaps undergo surgery.
If your vertigo is possibly caused by a brain condition, you will need to be seen by a Neurologist and perhaps undergo CT or MRI imaging.
If your vertigo is related to Meniere’s disease, specific medications and lifestyle changes will be necessary.
There is a lot to think about and a lot to decipher when it comes to Vestibular conditions.
In the meantime, there are certain things that you can do to reduce your symptoms and reduce the risk of having a fall:
Avoid sudden changes in head position.
Sit on the edge of your bed until you feel steady to stand and walk
Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet.
Manage stress and practice relaxation techniques.
Reduce your salt, alcohol and coffee intake (for certain conditions)
Be cautious with medications known to cause dizziness or vertigo.
Use appropriate safety measures to prevent head injuries.
Treatment and rehabilitation
Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause.
Correct diagnosis is crucial in providing the correct treatment for your condition. It may include:
Medications
Certain medications can alleviate vertigo symptoms, others can help reduce the risk of Meniere’s episodes, and others can help with migraine management. Some medications such as anti-anxiety medications can be helpful in conditions such as PPPD.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers
Techniques such as the Epley maneuver are effective for treating BPPV by repositioning displaced otoconia (aka ear crystals) in the inner ear.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)
VRT is a specialized exercise-based program designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness by promoting vestibular compensation and adaptation.
Vertigo can significantly impact quality of life, but with accurate diagnosis and treatment, many individuals can effectively manage their symptoms, regain control of their lives, and improve their mobility and balance. If you’re experiencing acute, recurrent or persistent vertigo, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably one with a special interest in vestibular disorders, for a comprehensive evaluation, treatment and ongoing management if required.
Understanding vertigo is the first step.
The next is recovery.
Call us on 0508 837 844 for an appointment.
Ph 0508 VERTIGO
0508 837 844
344 Otumoetai Road, Tauranga