Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or swaying, often accompanied by nausea and loss of balance. It can be caused by inner ear disorders, such as Meniere's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or by other conditions such as migraines, head injury, or certain medications. It can be temporary or chronic.

Vertigo is a condition that causes a sensation of spinning or dizziness. It can be caused by a problem in the inner ear, the brain, or the sensory nerve pathways that connect them. Vertigo can also be caused by other conditions, such as migraines, head injuries, or certain medications. Treatment for vertigo will depend on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include medications, physical therapy, and vestibular rehabilitation exercises. In some cases, surgery may be recommended.

Other Symptoms that come with vertigo

The symptoms of vertigo can vary depending on the underlying cause, but some common symptoms include

1. Dizziness: A spinning sensation or feeling of unsteadiness, which can make it difficult to walk or stand.
2. Loss of balance: Vertigo can make it difficult to maintain balance and coordination, which can lead to falls.
3. Nausea and vomiting: Vertigo can cause feelings of nausea and can lead to vomiting.
4. Headaches: Vertigo can also cause headaches, especially in cases related to migraines.
5. Tinnitus: ringing or other noise in the ears can be a symptom of vertigo.
6. Hearing loss: some types of vertigo can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
7. Difficulty concentrating: Vertigo can make it difficult to focus on tasks or pay attention to the environment.

The Types of Vertigo

There are several types of vertigo, each with different causes and symptoms. The main types of vertigo are

1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common type of vertigo, caused by small crystals in the inner ear becoming dislodged and moving into one of the semicircular canals. It causes brief episodes of vertigo, usually triggered by certain head movements.
2. Meniere's disease: This is a chronic inner ear disorder that causes vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. It is caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the inner ear.
3. Vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis: These are inner ear disorders that cause inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which can cause vertigo, imbalance, and nausea.
4. Migraine-associated vertigo: Vertigo can be a symptom of migraine headaches, it can be accompanied by other migraine symptoms such as headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Conditions that cause Vertigo

There are many medical conditions that can cause vertigo, some of the most common include:

1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common type of vertigo, caused by small crystals in the inner ear becoming dislodged and moving into one of the semicircular canals.
2. Meniere's disease: This is a chronic inner ear disorder that causes vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. It is caused by an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the inner ear.
3. Vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis: These are inner ear disorders that cause inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which can cause vertigo, imbalance, and nausea.
4. Migraine-associated vertigo: Vertigo can be a symptom of migraine headaches.
5. Central vertigo: This type of vertigo is caused by problems in the brain or the brainstem, such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or a brain tumor.

Diagnostic Tests for Vertigo

The diagnosis of vertigo typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination by a healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician, neurologist, or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.

• Dix-Hallpike test
• Romberg test
• Fukuda stepping test
• Vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) test
• Imaging studies

Treatment for Vertigo

Treatment for vertigo will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Some common treatments include:

• Medications: medications such as antihistamines and anti-nausea drugs can help to relieve symptoms of vertigo.
• Vestibular rehabilitation: This is a form of physical therapy that involves exercises that help to retrain the brain to process signals from the inner ear, improve balance, and reduce symptoms of vertigo.
• Canalith repositioning procedures (CRP): This treatment is used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) by moving the small crystals that have become dislodged in the inner ear back to their proper place.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be recommended to repair a conductive hearing loss or to remove a tumor or blockage in the ear.
• Medications for specific condition: for example, diuretics for Meniere's disease, anti-seizure medication for migraines-associated vertigo.

The Preventive Care for Vertigo

There are several preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of developing vertigo or reduce the impact of vertigo on your life, including:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking can help lower the risk of certain ear and cardiovascular diseases that can cause vertigo.
• Managing chronic medical conditions: If you have a chronic medical condition, such as diabetes, work with your healthcare provider to manage it.
• Avoiding triggers: If you know what triggers your vertigo, avoid them as much as possible.
• Wearing safety gear: if you work in a high-risk environment, such as construction, wear safety gear to protect your head and neck.
• Avoiding certain medications: if certain medications have caused vertigo in the past, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
• Protecting your ears: Avoid exposure to loud noise, such as loud music or heavy machinery.

When to see a doctor

If you suspect that you have vertigo, it is important to see a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation. You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent dizziness or spinning sensations.
• Difficulty walking or standing.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
• Difficulty concentrating or confusion.
• Sudden onset of vertigo.
• Vertigo accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, neck pain, or difficulty speaking.
• Vertigo that is affecting your quality of life.

If you have vertigo and are concerned about your health, it is important to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified vertigo doctor. A doctor specializing in treating vertigo, such as a Neurologist, would be the right health professional to consult.

Here is a list of Top verified doctors for vertigo. You can book an appointment with one to start your vertigo treatment today.

Dr. Kulbhushan Hasti

Consultant - Neurology

54 Years of experience

7 Feedbacks

Max Hospital, Pitampura, Delhi NCR

Rs. 800 Consult Fees

Book Appointment

Dr. Subhashini Prabhakar

Senior Consultant - Neurology

53 Years of experience

1 Feedbacks

Apollo Health City, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Rs. 1,000 Consult Fees

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Dr. Pravina Ushakant Shah

Senior Consultant - Neurology

50 Years of experience

13 Feedbacks

Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai

Rs. 1,500 Consult Fees

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A hospital can provide various services to help diagnose and treat your vertigo. If you are experiencing vertigo In that case, it is important to visit a vertigo hospital for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Check a list of Top Hospitals for vertigo treatment.

Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.9

4.9 out of 5 stars(1658 Reviews)

Established in 1918

🛌345 Beds

5+ Doctors

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Dr Mehta Hospital, Chetpet, Chennai

Multi Speciality Hospital

4.3

4.3 out of 5 stars(3 Reviews)

Established in 1940

🛌220 Beds

5+ Doctors

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Nanavati Hospital, Vile Parle, Mumbai

Super Speciality Hospital

4.7

4.7 out of 5 stars(1134 Reviews)

Established in 1950

🛌350 Beds

5+ Doctors

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions and answers about vertigo.

Reviews by patients on different.

Dilip

Apollo Gleneagles Hospital

Several months ago I was suffering from a terrible headache. I took some general medicines from the chemist initially but it only got worse. Then I visited my family doctor who told me to see a neurologist. I met a doctor whom I found nearby my place but he was unable to detect the issue. I could not trust him because he was doubtful himself. Finally, I had the good luck to meet Dr. Amitabha Ghosh. I have no words to describe how much has he helped me. It was his brilliant judgment that diagnosed my illness. Later when he started the treatment, he made sure that I knew every step. I really liked his approach. He is still available to talk on the phone if there are issues. Highly recommended doctor.

Sumit Gupta

Gleneagles Global Hospital

My sister was going through the trouble of migraines. She suffered a lot and even had to miss a family gathering because of this. We tried to look for some doctors but no treatment as suiting her. My mom and I were worried that so many medicines may make her more ill. Finally, through an old friend, I had the chance to know about Dr. Nayak. We instantly took the appointment from credihealth and met him. He is the best person. The only doctor who could help my sister. I will be always grateful to him and I recommend him to everyone else.

Pulak Sen

Dr. Koushik Dutta is currently treating my mother who is 86 years old in AMRI. He is very prompt in serving the patients and going to the root of the cause of their ailment. My mother suffered a cerebral attack and her right side was paralyzed. Within 30 minutes of admission of her in AMRI under the Doctor, all pre-medical tests were performed. Within the first 18 hrs paralysis and in the rest of 72 hrs she was made to walk. I would strongly recommend Dr Dutta for such cases

There are a number of symptoms that may be associated with . These can include:

Headache · Confusion · Dizziness · Lightheadedness · Memory loss · Irritability · Insomnia