Vertigo is a feeling of a violation of the position of the body in space. Patients with vertigo represent a very heterogeneous group and seek help from doctors of various specialties — otorhinolaryngologists, therapists, neurologists, and neurosurgeons. This is due to the fact that dizziness can be a symptom of a variety of conditions.
Diagnosis of vertigo is difficult since the feeling of instability in space is extremely subjective and can vary significantly in different patients, both in degree of manifestation and in the sensory phenomena that arise.
The condition can occur suddenly, be episodic in nature: the patient experiences something like a push in one direction, it seems to “lead” him. In other cases, there may be a sensation of movement of surrounding objects in a circle or a feeling of rotation of the person himself, as after a long whirling on the carousels. This condition can persist for a long time – up to an hour. But more often vertigo is expressed in a sense of general instability of the objects and the person himself, a violation of the sense of balance — the patient feels insecure when walking, it seems to him that he is about to fall or stumble, the earth is “leaving” from under his feet. Sometimes the symptoms reach such strength that the patient clutches at objects and experiences lightheadedness, as before a loss of consciousness.
To relieve vertigo, lie down and close your eyes. Vertigo itself is not a disease, but a symptom of other health problems. To get rid of him, you need to figure out what caused him.
Causes of Vertigo
A variety of factors can cause it:
- alcohol;
- benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV);
- low blood pressure
- low blood sugar;
- stroke;
- dehydration;
- hyperventilation;
- panic attack;
- middle ear infection;
- seasickness;
- Meniere’s disease;
- inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinthitis).
Some drugs may also cause dizziness as a side effect. Therefore, before taking medicine, always read the list of side effects.
Medications for vertigo
Vertigo can not be cured with medicine, you can treat the reason why it occurs. Depending on it, such tools will help:
- tranquilizers if vertigo is caused by a panic disorder or other mental problems;
- anticholinergic or antihistamines, if the cause is Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo;
- migraine medication if vertigo is associated with migraine.
If that doesn’t help, try changing something in your lifestyle. If dizziness persists within a week, be sure to consult a doctor.
Lifestyle change
To prevent vertigo, try drinking more water, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, drinking alcohol and tobacco.
There are also physiotherapeutic methods to combat vertigo: acupuncture, Epley exercises (it is better to consult a doctor before performing them), balance exercises (if the problem is in the inner ear). If vertigo is caused by an anxiety disorder, try to see a therapist.
When to see a doctor
Be sure to consult a doctor if, along with vertigo, you experience the following symptoms:
- severe headaches;
- difficulty walking, falling;
- nausea and vomiting;
- fainting;
- labored breathing;
- stiff neck muscles;
- cramps.
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