Vertigo is one of the most common yet often misunderstood balance disorders. Unlike general dizziness, vertigo creates a false sense of movement, making you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning or swaying when you are actually still. According to Dr Rakhil Yadav, neurologist at Narayana Hospital in Ahmedabad, this condition usually worsens with head movements and can lead to nausea, vomiting, or even loss of balance. While vertigo itself is not a disease, it is a key symptom that indicates an issue in the vestibular system, which controls balance and coordination.
Types of Vertigo
- Peripheral Vertigo – Linked to inner ear or vestibular nerve issues.
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – Triggered by changes in head position due to displaced inner ear crystals.
- Ménière’s Disease – Caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear, often accompanied by vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
- Labyrinthitis – Inflammation in the inner ear, usually from viral infections, causing sudden and prolonged vertigo.
- Central Vertigo – Results from brain or nervous system conditions such as stroke, migraine, or tumors.
- Physiological Vertigo – Short-term dizziness caused by motion such as seasickness or prolonged spinning.
- Other Causes – Trauma, toxins like alcohol or aspirin, and ear pressure imbalance.
Causes of Vertigo
- BPPV – Calcium crystals disrupt balance signals in the inner ear.
- Ménière’s Disease – Excess fluid pressure leads to recurrent vertigo attacks.
- Labyrinthitis – Viral infections trigger inflammation in the inner ear.
- Central Causes – Neurological disorders such as stroke or migraines disrupt brain balance centers.
- Other Triggers – Prolonged motion exposure, certain medications, or toxins.
Symptoms of Vertigo
- Spinning or swaying sensation, often worsening with head movements.
- Nausea, vomiting, and sweating.
- Rapid eye movements (nystagmus) in BPPV or labyrinthitis.
- Hearing loss or tinnitus in Ménière’s disease or labyrinthitis.
- Difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
- Weakness, numbness, or headaches in central vertigo cases.
Duration of Episodes
- BPPV – Usually less than 1 minute.
- Ménière’s – Attacks can last 20 minutes to several hours.
- Labyrinthitis – May persist for several days.
Prevention and Management
- Rest during vertigo episodes.
- Avoid rapid head movements and known triggers.
- Eat small and frequent meals to reduce nausea.
- Practice vestibular rehabilitation exercises.
- Use motion sickness medicines under medical guidance.
- Seek professional help if symptoms are severe or persistent.
When to See a Doctor
Medical care is essential if vertigo is:
- Prolonged or recurring frequently.
- Accompanied by weakness, severe headache, or numbness.
- Leading to falls, imbalance, or disruption in daily life.
⚠️ Note: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical consultation. Always seek a doctor’s advice for diagnosis and treatment.