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Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that makes you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, even when you are still. It is often described as a sensation of feeling off-balance or dizzy, and it can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sweating, and ringing in the ears.
Vertigo is caused by problems with the inner ear or the part of the brain that controls balance, and it can be triggered by various factors such as head injuries, migraines, and certain medications. If you experience vertigo, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
Who Gets Vertigo?
Vertigo can occur in people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. However, certain factors may increase your risk of developing vertigo. These risk factors include:
Age: Vertigo becomes more common as people get older.
Gender: Women are more likely to experience vertigo than men.
Head injuries: Trauma to the head can damage the inner ear, which is responsible for balance and can lead to vertigo.
Certain medical conditions: Conditions such as migraines, Meniere's disease, and vestibular neuritis can increase your risk of developing vertigo.
Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and blood pressure medications, can cause vertigo as a side effect.
It's important to note that anyone can experience vertigo, regardless of their risk factors. If you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo, it's important to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
What Are the Causes?
Vertigo can be caused by various underlying factors, including:
Inner ear problems: The most common cause of vertigo is a problem with the inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance. Inner ear problems that can cause vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, and vestibular neuritis.
Head injuries: Trauma to the head, such as a concussion, can damage the inner ear or the parts of the brain that control balance, leading to vertigo.
Migraines: Migraines can cause a type of vertigo called vestibular migraine, which is characterized by dizziness and balance problems.
Medications: Certain medications, such as some antibiotics and blood pressure medications, can cause vertigo as a side effect.
Neurological conditions: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis and tumors can affect the parts of the brain that control balance, leading to vertigo.
Other factors: Other factors that can cause or contribute to vertigo include dehydration, heart conditions, anxiety, and low blood pressure.
It's important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo, as the underlying cause may require specific treatment. Your doctor can perform tests to determine the cause of your vertigo and recommend appropriate treatment options.
How is it Treated?
The treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatments for vertigo:
Canalith repositioning maneuvers: This technique involves a series of head movements that can help move small particles in the inner ear that are causing vertigo. Canalith repositioning maneuvers are often used to treat benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
Medications: Depending on the cause of vertigo, your doctor may prescribe anti-nausea drugs, antihistamines, or other medications to help manage symptoms.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy: This is a type of physical therapy that involves exercises to help strengthen the vestibular system, which controls balance. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can be effective in treating certain types of vertigo.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a problem in the inner ear or other underlying condition that is causing vertigo.
Lifestyle modifications: Making certain lifestyle changes, such as avoiding triggers that can cause vertigo, staying hydrated, and reducing stress, can help manage symptoms.
The Headache Clinic also runs a specialist Neurologist service. Our clinic is based in North Sydney and offers both in-clinic and telehealth appointment consultations with trained neurologists. Our team of experts can help diagnose and treat your condition, providing you with the best care possible.
We can provide squeeze-in appointments within one week.
Whether you are experiencing vertigo, headaches, or any other neurological symptoms, The Headache Clinic can help you get the right assessment and advice. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.