Vertigo is a sensation of movement when there is none, caused by problems in the inner ear or brain. It can be harmless, but serious if accompanied by other symptoms. Diagnosis involves hearing and balance tests, while treatment varies depending on the cause and severity.
Vertigo, also called balance disorder, is the sensation of movement when no movement occurs. This can be caused by a problem with the balance mechanisms of the inner ear or a problem in the brain. While usually harmless, dizziness can be a sign of a serious condition if it’s accompanied by difficulty speaking or walking, severe headaches, or double vision. Even when no other symptoms are present, anyone experiencing symptoms of this condition is advised to see a doctor. The same is true if the episodes get worse over time or if new symptoms appear.
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The most common causes of this condition are inner ear problems. They can cause benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is characterized by sudden and severe episodes, but is not otherwise serious. Inner ear inflammation or infection can also lead to hearing loss if not treated right away.
Some serious medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis and trauma to the head or neck, can also cause dizziness. Another possible cause is a cerebellar hemorrhage that reduces blood flow to the brain. This also often causes more serious symptoms, such as difficulty walking and impaired vision. Other potential causes include severe migraines and Meniere’s disease, which also often causes ringing in the ears.
Diagnosis
To diagnose dizziness, a doctor might run a variety of tests. The most common of these diagnostic tests are a hearing test, an electronystagmography or vestibular system test, and computed axial tomography (CT) scans of the brain. Some clinics have the option of using a posturography – a special swaying platform on which the patient tries to keep his balance. Special machines record the body’s responses and then compare those responses to those of an individual who doesn’t suffer from balance problems.
Treatment
Individual treatment for vertigo varies depending on the cause and severity of the episodes. If the cause is a bacterial middle ear infection, it can be treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist might recommend surgery. Medications to treat the condition can be taken orally, intravenously, or via a patch.
The most common treatment for dizziness is the use of several physical maneuvers, known as vestibular rehabilitation exercises, in which the patient lies on a table on their side until the condition clears up. The patient then quickly switches to the other side. The movement is repeated until dizziness is no longer felt.
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