Health

Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness or spinning, often paired with nausea and balance problems. It can be caused by issues with the inner ear (like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, migraines, or head injuries. Sometimes, problems in the brain or nerve pathways can also lead to vertigo. Symptoms include feeling like you or your surroundings are moving, difficulty maintaining balance, and instability. Treatment varies based on the cause and may include medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes.

Symptoms of Vertigo:

1. Spinning Sensation: Feeling like you or your surroundings are moving or spinning, even when still.
2. Dizziness: General lightheadedness or unsteadiness.
3. Balance Problems: Difficulty maintaining balance, increasing the risk of falls.
4. Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or vomiting.
5. Abnormal Eye Movements (Nystagmus): Rapid, uncontrollable eye movements, often side to side.
6. Sweating: Excessive sweating during vertigo episodes.
7. Hearing Loss: Sometimes, vertigo can be accompanied by hearing loss, especially if caused by an inner ear condition.
8. Tinnitus: Ringing or buzzing in the ears.
9. Headache: Occasionally associated with headaches, particularly in cases of vestibular migraines.
10. Fullness in the Ear: A sensation of pressure or fullness in one or both ears.

Causes of Vertigo:

Diagnosis of Vertigo:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Small calcium particles build up in the inner ear canals, disrupting balance signals to the brain.
2. Meniere’s Disease: An inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
3. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear or its connecting nerves, often due to a viral infection.
4. Migraines: Certain types can cause vertigo even without the typical headache.
5. Head Injury: Trauma can affect the inner ear or brain, leading to vertigo.
6. Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Disruption of blood flow to the brain can affect balance.
7. Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic Neuroma): A non-cancerous growth on the vestibular nerve, affecting balance and hearing.
8. Cholesteatoma: An abnormal skin growth in the middle ear, causing vertigo if it damages ear structures.
9. Ototoxic Medications: Some drugs can damage the inner ear, leading to vertigo.
10. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): This disease affects the central nervous system and can cause vertigo.
11. Anxiety Disorders: Sometimes, anxiety manifests with physical symptoms like dizziness and vertigo.

1. Medical History: Discuss symptoms, frequency, duration, and triggers of vertigo episodes, past medical conditions, medications, and family history.
2. Physical Examination: Check for signs of imbalance, abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), and coordination issues.
3. Hearing Tests: Evaluate hearing ability to identify inner ear issues.
4. Balance Tests: Measure eye movements and balance using tests like Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG), and posturography.
5. Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans visualize brain structures to rule out tumors, stroke, or other neurological conditions.
6. Positional Testing: The Dix-Hallpike Maneuver involves specific head movements to trigger vertigo symptoms, helping diagnose BPPV.
7. Blood Tests: Check for infections or metabolic disorders that might cause vertigo.
8. Vestibular Function Tests: Caloric testing uses warm and cold water or air in the ear canal to evaluate inner ear function.

A thorough evaluation by a neurologist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Treatment for Vertigo:

1. Physical Therapy:
   • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
   • Epley Maneuver: A series of head movements to reposition ear crystals in cases of BPPV.
2. Lifestyle Changes:
   • Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids.
   • Dietary Adjustments: Reduce salt, caffeine, and alcohol intake.
   • Stress Management: Techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
3. Surgery: In severe cases, surgery might be necessary to correct inner ear issues.
4. Home Remedies:
   • Adequate Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep.
   • Stay Still: Sit or lie down during vertigo attacks.
   • Use a Cane: For balance support if needed.
5. Treating Underlying Conditions: Address any underlying health issues, such as ear infections or migraines, to help alleviate vertigo symptoms.

Consulting the best neurosurgeon doctor for vertigo treatment in Nashik ensures proper diagnosis and effective treatment, enhancing the quality of life for those affected by this challenging condition.