Patients have different symptoms of dizziness.
Vertigo is a form of dizziness. Vertigo is a false sensation that either self or surrounding is spinning, floating or tumbling down. (2)
Not all dizziness is vertigo. (3) Sometimes vertigo is accompanied by nausea and vomiting. (4)
Some patients experience brief spinning episodes, lasting a few seconds. (4, 5, 6)
Some patients experience less frequent vertigo and attacks are moderate in severity. For some, the vertigo may be severe and frequently affecting daily activities. (6)
Some patients less likely to experience vertigo, yet the attacks are moderate in severity.
A majority of patients experience a vertigo attack that only lasts for few seconds, but however brief the spinning, shaking, or tumbling down sensation, it can still be terrifying. (6)
Most often, vertigo is caused by disturbances in the inner ear. (4)
Vertigo is commonly caused by disturbance in the inner ear.
It is important to consult your doctor. The doctor will determine if one has peripheral or central vertigo. (4)
Three semi-circular canals, with fluid and hair cells inside, enable us to maintain balance. Two sacs with fluid and mini-stones orient us if we are moving up or down and if we are speeding up or slowing down. (1, 7)
The snail-looking part of the inner ear enables us to hear. The three semi-circular canals and the two sacs called utricle and saccule, together are called the vestibular system. Diseases of the vestibular system leads to the sensation of spinning called vertigo. (1, 7)
“Each time I turn my head to the right, the surrounding spins for a few seconds, it can be a terrifying experience.”
Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of vertigo. (6, 8, 9)
“I was shaken violently and there were ringing sounds in my ear. I’m glad I’m not alone in this journey with the illness.”
During the early stage of Meniere’s disease, vertigo attack is described as spontaneous, violent and may be accompanied by hearing loss, ear fullness or ringing of the ear. Symptoms may last for 20 mins to 24 hours. (6, 10, 11)
Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.
“Two weeks ago, I had a viral infection. I threw up and the world was spinning. Good thing I recovered.” (12, 13)
Sudden onset of very frightening severe vertigo. Many people are rushed to the emergency room. Recovery from vertigo may last for several weeks. (13)
Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of vertigo
Vestibular Migraine involving blood vessels of the brain may also cause vertigo.
“I have throbbing headache on the left part of my head. I also feel dizzy.” (6, 14)
Although other causes of central vertigo are rare, it may be serious and need immediate medical attention.
Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.
Vertigo is often described by patients as a false sense of rotational movement. Many patients who experience vertigo feel lost, frustrated, and confused1. There are two main types of vertigo2: If vertigo arises from a disorder of the ear and the structures around it, it is called peripheral vertigo. On the contrary, if the sensation arises…
While a vertigo episode can arise suddenly and violently, its symptoms can be reduced by adopting appropriate responses. Developing the correct behaviors for vertigo attack management can help reduce stress and anxiety in future episodes. Simple tips to adopt in case of a vertigo attack Lie still in a quiet, dark room to reduce the…
Vertigo is not an independent disease. There are several disease and drug related side-effects that can cause vertigo1. This is why it is so important to consult a specialist in time: only a doctor can diagnose the true cause of vertigo and prescribe treatment. Conditions in the inner ear Most of the time, vertigo is…
You may have been diagnosed with a vestibular disorder.It is important to take your medication as long as your doctor recommends. Doctors may also recommend vestibular rehabilitation exercises, as shown below.Together with your treating doctor, please select the exercises that you may be able to perform.Each exercise should be performed 20 or more times at…