An Introduction to Vertigo

Have you ever spun around in circles really fast and felt like the world was spinning when you stopped? If so, you have experienced vertigo. Rather, you induced vertigo and luckily it only lasted a few seconds. Vertigo is the sensation that you or your environment is spinning or moving even though you are still. Unlike when you induce vertigo by spinning quickly, a spontaneous vertigo episode can last anywhere from a few minutes, a few hours, or in some cases even a few days or weeks. Someone experiencing vertigo will most likely say they feel dizzy. However, only about half of dizziness complaints are actually vertigo. It is important to note that dizziness is an umbrella term also used to explain lightheadedness and unsteadiness. Dizziness is also a common symptom for many health conditions which leads vertigo to be misdiagnosed. Therefore, if you feel that you have had a vertigo episode, it is important to provide your physician with a clear description of how you felt in order to receive an accurate diagnosis. 

There are two types of vertigo, peripheral and central. Peripheral vertigo is due to a problem in the inner ear. Causes of peripheral vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, acoustic neuroma, pressure on the vestibular nerve, or certain medications.

Central vertigo is due to a problem with the brain or brainstem. This type of vertigo may be caused by multiple sclerosis, stroke, tumors, migraines, decreased blood flow to the brain, arteriosclerosis, head trauma or neck injury, or certain drugs. 

There are several symptoms for vertigo, the main one being a sense of spinning or moving which is not to be confused with lightheadedness. Nausea and/or vomiting is one of the most common symptoms associated with a vertigo episode. Other symptoms include abnormal eye movements, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), loss of balance, and/or sweating. Central vertigo has some additional symptoms that can occur, including weakness, facial paralysis, slurred speech, double vision, and/or decreased level of consciousness. It is important to tell your doctor about any of these symptoms that may have accompanied a vertigo episode. 

If you have experienced any symptoms of vertigo, a doctor's visit is recommended in order to receive a proper diagnosis. You will need to provide your doctor with a complete medical history, including medications (both RX and OTC), recent illnesses, and prior medical problems. Several tests and exams can be done to diagnose vertigo, including, but not limited too, a physical exam, blood tests, hearing tests, Electronystagmography (ENG), the Dix-Hallpike test, a "roll test", and an MRI or CT scan.  

Even though vertigo episodes may seem frightening, more often times than not it is related to a manageable or benign medical condition that can be treated. Physical therapy maneuvers, medications, and self-care remedies can all serve as treatments for vertigo. In particular, the Epley Maneuver, a physical therapy treatment involving a series of simple head adjustments, has proven effective in reducing symptoms and episodes of vertigo. 

If you or someone you know has experienced vertigo episodes, remember that most cases of vertigo do not last long and can be easily treated. 



Some great resources to learn more in-depth information about vertigo can be found here:

• http://www.ent.uci.edu/clinical-specialties/ear-surgery/vertigo
• http://www.emedicinehealth.com/vertigo/article_em.htm#vertigo_overview
• http://www.medicinenet.com/vertigo_overview/article.htm#what_is_vertigo