Vertigo is often called dizziness, and it’s just a symptom rather than an actual disease in and of itself. Vertigo refers to the feeling of movement, whirling, spinning, or other dizziness caused most often by a disturbance in balance (equilibrium). Simply put, it’s the sensation that the immediate environment is moving when it is not, or a movement hallucination. Some also use vertigo to describe light-headedness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint or weak. The person experiencing this often feels disorientated.
The word vertigo comes from the Latin word vertere, which means “to turn.”
Subjective vs. Objective Vertigo
When the person feels as though they are moving, as if they were in a car or on a ferris wheel, this is known as subjective vertigo. Sometimes a person feels as though they are being pulled toward the floor or toward one side of the room rather than experiencing the sensation of sitting still. This sensation can actually worsen with movement, even laying down. On the other hand, when the person feels like the objects around them are moving, such as the room seeming to be spinning, this is known as objective vertigo.
Other Symptoms of Vertigo
In addition to feeling dizziness or a sensation of movement, vertigo symptoms can also include any of the following: blurred/double vision, reduced stamina, headache, increased heart rate, motion sickness, trouble concentrating, nausea/vomiting, sweating, sensitivity to lights and noise, ringing in the ears, and lack of coordination, to list some of the most common.
Severe vertigo can lead to irritability and even sometimes depression. Another danger of severe or frequent vertigo is the risk of injury due to falls.
Causes of Vertigo and Testing
Vertigo can be caused by a number of things, most commonly problems in the brain or inner ear, including infection or inflammation. Decreased blood pressure for any reason, whether it be injury or from rising too quickly from a chair or laying position, can also cause vertigo. Certain diseases and tumors may signal vertigo, as do migraines at times. Alcohol can also be a cause of this condition.
According to WebMD, medical history and a physical exam will most likely be used to determine if true vertigo exists. The doctor will ask about sensations of motions, how long and how frequently you’ve had symptoms and what the symptoms are. Do these symptoms persist or do they come and go? Have you had any recent injuries, traumas, or accidents? Are you taking any different medications or other drugs? Is there any hearing loss, change of hearing, or ringing in the ears? Is there any weakness, difficulty speaking, abnormal eye movements, or different levels of consciousness? Other tests may include bloodwork, CT scans, and ECGs.
Treatments
Many cases of vertigo disappear on their own without treatment, but for those who do need treatment, treatments can vary depending on the diagnosis. For example, if vertigo is the result of a specific disease, it will unlikely be treated the same way as with an infection. The most common treatment for vertigo is medicine that can either be taken orally, via a patch on the skin or other skin treatment, or through an intravenous injection (IV). Benadryl, Valium, Antivert, Phenergan, and Scopolamine transdermal patch are among the most popular medications prescribed for the treatment of vertigo.
Certain causes, such as a hole in the ear, may require surgery. For others, sometimes a change in diet is all that’s needed. Yet another treatment option for certain types of vertigo is special physical therapy.
Those experiencing vertigo should follow up with their doctor and obtain a referral for a neurologist and an ENT specialist.
When to Seek Professional Help
The majority of the cases of vertigo are not dangerous, but any such experiences should be discussed with your medical professional. Because diseases, tumors, and other serious conditions can sometimes cause vertigo, it’s always best to be treated by your doctor to rule out these possibilities, or to treat them if discovered.
It is essential to seek immediate medical assistance (even going to the emergency room) if you experience vertigo with double vision, headache, weakness, abnormal or uncontrollable eye movements, difficulty speaking, difficulty controlling your limbs or walking, difference in personality, or altered level of consciousness.
Sources
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/vertigo
http://www.neurologychannel.com/vertigo/causes.shtml
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vertigo/article_em.htm
