Vertigo can be so slight that you barely notice it, or it can be so severe that it makes going about your daily routine nearly impossible. And attacks can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds or much longer. With severe vertigo, you may experience symptoms for several days. So what causes vertigo? And what can be done about it? Read on for all you need to know.
What Causes Vertigo?
The inner ear, while tiny, is complex. It’s responsible for both hearing and balance. And the inner ear’s vestibular system is quite intricate. It’s composed of fluid-filled canals and sensory receptors.
Your vestibular system plays a role in your equilibrium. When you nod or tilt your head, your vestibular system acts by sending signals to your brain that allow you to orient yourself. Most often, vertigo is caused by a problem with the way these signals reach the brain. When the signals sent to the brain are inconsistent, your brain has a hard time interpreting them. And your brain’s response might be to assume that either you’re spinning, or that your surroundings are. When this happens, you may experience vertigo.
Some of the conditions that can cause symptoms of vertigo include:
- Migraine headaches
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Low blood pressure
- Shingles
- Multiple sclerosis
- Ataxia
- Brain diseases
- Head injuries
- Meniere’s disease
Coping Strategies for Balance Issues
If you’re experiencing balance issues, don’t panic. There are several strategies to cope with balance issues and dramatically improve your quality of life. Let’s discuss a few.
Types of Vertigo
There are two main types of vertigo—peripheral and central.
Peripheral vertigo
Central vertigo
What Does Vertigo Feel Like?
- Spinning
- Swaying
- Unbalanced
- Tilting
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Headaches
- Ringing in the ears
How Is Vertigo Diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask you some questions about your vertigo symptoms and will likely perform a physical examination. They’ll use instruments to examine your ear canal and eardrum, and they may examine your eye movements as well. Sometimes, additional tests are required—like tests that examine the nerve that connects your inner ear to your brain.
How Is Vertigo Treated?
Sometimes, symptoms of vertigo will improve and disappear over time. But some individuals may need the help of a healthcare professional to manage their vertigo symptoms. Here are some ways you can manage your symptoms at home:
- Sleep with your head elevated
- As soon as you begin to feel dizzy, sit or lie down
- Move slowly when standing up or performing movements
- If you get up during the night, turn on the lights
- Lie down in a dark room to alleviate the spinning sensation
What’s Next?
If you or a loved one is experiencing vertigo and you think we can assist, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team of hearing care professionals is always here to help you. You can reach us by calling us at:
Lawrenceburg office at (812) 532-3011
Harrison office at (513) 278-5388
Or, request a callback