Vertigo refers to a spinning sensation caused by balance problems in the inner ear. This condition manifests as the perception that everything around is spinning and can adversely affect daily activities. Vertigo, arising from a mismatch between the balance system, the inner ear, and the brain, is quite common in the community and can be seen in both young and elderly individuals. Symptoms of vertigo include loss of balance, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and hearing problems, while treatment methods vary depending on the underlying cause.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a balance disorder where the surroundings seem to be spinning, unlike general dizziness, which can be caused by low blood pressure, fatigue, and stress. However, in vertigo, the main issue arises in the body's center of balance, involving the connections between the inner ear and the brain.
Vertigo can occur in various forms and may present differently depending on the underlying causes. Peripheral vertigo, associated with issues in the inner ear system controlling balance, accounts for a large portion of vertigo cases. This type of vertigo can be triggered by sudden head movements and may cause short-lived, severe episodes of dizziness.
Meniere's Disease, characterized by ringing in the ears, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear, occurs due to increased fluid pressure in the inner ear, leading to vertigo attacks.
The inflammation of the balance nerve, known as Vestibular Neuritis, can cause severe vertigo attacks that start suddenly and may last for hours or even days.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo can occur due to different reasons, often stemming from disorders in the balance organs of the inner ear. The displacement of crystals in the inner ear, Meniere's disease, or ear infections can lead to this condition. Additionally, neurological vertigo related to issues in the central nervous system such as the cerebellum and brainstem is a significant cause.
Migraine, Multiple Sclerosis, or cerebrovascular diseases fall into this category and are accompanied by neurological symptoms over a long duration. Furthermore, neck and spine problems, vascular compressions, or muscle spasms can also trigger vertigo attacks.
Common stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders found in daily life can negatively affect the balance system and lead to stress-induced vertigo.
What are the Types of Vertigo (Dizziness)?
Vertigo is not a disease but a symptom arising from various causes. Thus, the types of vertigo are classified based on the underlying problem.
Peripheral Vertigo
Peripheral vertigo stems from balance issues in the inner ear. The displacement of crystals in the inner ear (BPPV), Meniere's disease, or inner ear infections are included in this group. Symptoms are sudden; severe dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance may occur.
Central Vertigo
Central vertigo originates from the brain and nervous system. It can be caused by issues in the cerebellum, brainstem, or brain blood vessels. The causes of central vertigo include migraine, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), or brain tumors. Symptoms are usually milder but persistent, accompanied by neurological findings like speech disorders, double vision, and loss of coordination.
What are the Symptoms of Vertigo?
Vertigo is characterized by a sudden sensation of dizziness. Symptoms of vertigo include the following:
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Severe dizziness and a sense of imbalance
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Nausea and vomiting
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Sweating, weakness, and fatigue
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Ringing in the ears, a sense of pressure in the ear, or hearing loss
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Blurred vision and difficulty focusing
Symptoms of Neurological Vertigo
Neurological vertigo stems from issues in the centers of the brain responsible for balance and generally presents with more severe symptoms:
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Intense balance loss accompanied by dizziness
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Speech disorders
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Double vision and blurred vision
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Weakness in the arms or legs
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Difficulty walking and complete balance loss
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Involuntary eye movements
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Severe headache
Symptoms of Stress-Induced Vertigo
Changes in stress and anxiety levels can negatively affect the body's balance mechanism and cause symptoms like vertigo. In this case, symptoms include:
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Mild and recurrent dizziness
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Fatigue and weakness triggered by stress
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Transient balance loss
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Heart palpitations and shortness of breath
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Nausea and general discomfort
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Pressure in the chest, a feeling of restlessness
Untreated vertigo can adversely affect the quality of daily life.
What Helps Vertigo?
The treatment of vertigo varies depending on the underlying cause. However, there are some simple methods available to reduce the severity of attacks:
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Avoiding sudden movements during a vertigo attack, keeping the head steady, and resting in a dark, quiet environment can alleviate symptoms.
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Meditation, breathing exercises, and regular sleep are effective in reducing stress-induced vertigo attacks.
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Drinking enough water, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and reducing salt consumption can be beneficial.
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Balance exercises recommended by a physician can help control vertigo symptoms.
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Anti-nausea and balance-regulating medications can alleviate symptoms when used under expert supervision.
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Moving slowly when getting out of bed or during sudden head movements reduces the risk of dizziness.
What are the Diagnosis and Treatment Methods for Vertigo?
The diagnosis of vertigo is based on correctly identifying the underlying cause. Therefore, evaluations by both ENT and Neurology specialists are required. The following methods can be used in the diagnosis process:
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Medical history and physical examination: The duration of complaints, triggering factors, and accompanying symptoms are queried.
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Audiological tests: Hearing tests and balance measurements reveal problems related to the inner ear.
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Eye and balance tests: Tests examining eye movements and postural balance tests can be applied.
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Imaging methods: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are preferred in cases of suspected neurological vertigo.
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Blood tests: Can be performed to evaluate infections, vitamin deficiencies, or metabolic diseases.
Treatment Methods for Vertigo
The treatment methods for vertigo can vary from person to person, but generally, medications, exercises, dietary changes, and sometimes surgical interventions may be recommended.
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Medication: Balance-regulating and anti-nausea medications can be used to control dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
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Exercise therapy: The Epley maneuver or Brandt-Daroff exercises are highly effective in vertigo caused by the displacement of inner ear crystals.
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Lifestyle modifications: Reducing stress, ensuring regular sleep, and reducing salt and caffeine intake are important in controlling attacks.
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Physical therapy and rehabilitation: Vestibular rehabilitation programs can be applied to patients experiencing balance loss.
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Surgical treatment: Surgical intervention may be necessary in rare cases, especially for structural causes such as Meniere's disease or tumors.
What are the Vertigo Exercises?
Recommended exercises for individuals experiencing vertigo include Brandt-Daroff exercises, the Epley maneuver, and the Semont maneuver. These exercises can help balance the pressure on the inner ear's balance organs and alleviate vertigo attacks. The vertigo exercises are:
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Epley Maneuver: Comprises head and body movements aiming to reposition the crystals in the inner ear correctly. Despite appearing simple, it is important to learn it under expert guidance.
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Brandt-Daroff Exercises: A method that can be applied by the patient themselves at home. The balance system is retrained through periodic side-lying movements.
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Semont Maneuver: Involves sudden head and body movements to position the crystals correctly in the inner ear. It is applied in a clinical setting.
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Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises: Preferable in neurological vertigo, focused on strengthening balance, such as walking, standing on a balance board, or practicing balance on one foot.
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Eye and Head Movement Exercises: Exercises that direct the eyes to focus on a fixed point during head movements, enhancing visual-vestibular coordination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does vertigo resolve on its own?
In some mild cases, vertigo can be short-lived and resolve spontaneously. However, expert evaluation is necessary for recurring or severe vertigo attacks.
What exercises are beneficial for vertigo?
The Epley maneuver and Brandt-Daroff exercises are frequently used methods. They can reduce complaints by positioning the inner ear's balance crystals correctly. Exercises should be performed with expert advice.
Can vertigo be a neurological disease?
Yes. Disorders occurring in the cerebellum and nervous systems can cause vertigo. In this case, additional findings such as speech disorders, double vision, or difficulty walking may also appear.
What should be considered in vertigo treatment?
During the treatment process, it is essential to follow the doctor's recommendations, use medications regularly, reduce alcohol and caffeine consumption, control stress, and pay attention to a sleep schedule.