Vertigo Attack

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a condition that creates a false sensation of spinning or movement. People experiencing vertigo may feel as if they are moving when they are not, or that their surroundings are whirling around them. This can affect balance and make everyday activities, such as walking, driving, or working, very difficult. Unlike ordinary dizziness, vertigo is more intense and often interferes with daily life. Many cases of vertigo are tied to issues within the vestibular system, the part of your ear and brain responsible for maintaining balance.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo often originates from problems in the inner ear, which plays a vital role in controlling balance. Some common causes include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by small calcium crystals moving into the wrong part of the inner ear, leading to balance disturbances. This is a type of peripheral vertigo, which means the problem starts in the inner ear or the vestibular nerve.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Viral infections that cause inflammation of the inner ear or its nerves, resulting in sudden, severe vertigo.
• Ménière’s Disease: A chronic inner ear disorder linked to fluid buildup, which may cause vertigo, hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and ear pressure.
• Migraines: Some people develop vertigo during migraine episodes, also called vestibular migraines.
• Other factors: Head injuries, or side effects from certain medications. In rarer cases, vertigo can result from issues in the central nervous system (brain or brainstem), known as central vertigo.

Symptoms of Vertigo and How Long It Usually Last

People with vertigo may experience:

• A spinning sensation (you or your surroundings).
• Loss of balance, tilting, or swaying.
• Difficulty walking steadily.

Additional symptoms may include:

• Nausea or vomiting.
• Headache, light or sound sensitivity.
• Blurred or double vision, slurred speech, or difficulty swallowing.
• Sweating, shortness of breath, or a rapid heartbeat.

Symptoms can last from a few seconds to several hours, and in severe cases, days or weeks. Certain movements, such as turning in bed or standing up, may worsen the condition. If you struggle with these challenges, it’s important to remember you’re not alone—balance disorders are quite common and treatable.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

Immediate medical attention is necessary if vertigo is accompanied by:

• Sudden or severe headache.
• High fever (above 38°C).
• Double vision.
• Difficulty walking without assistance.
• Chest pain.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Stroke risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking.

Prompt evaluation can rule out serious underlying conditions, including stroke.

How is Vertigo Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. Depending on symptoms, further tests may include:

• Dix-Hallpike Test: Used to detect BPPV by observing eye movements when vertigo is triggered.
• Hearing Tests: Such as audiometry, especially useful in diagnosing Ménière’s disease.
• Imaging Studies: MRI or CT scans to rule out conditions affecting the brain, such as stroke or tumors.
• Blood Pressure Tests: Measuring postural blood pressure changes to identify dizziness linked to circulation issues.
• Head impulse test: A quick exam that helps doctors determine if vertigo is caused by issues in the inner ear or nerves.

Treatment Options

The right treatment depends on the underlying cause:

• Medications:
• Antihistamines (e.g., meclizine) for vertigo and motion sickness.
• Antiemetics (e.g., ondansetron, promethazine) to reduce nausea.
• Sedatives (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) to ease severe symptoms.
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Exercise-based therapy that trains the brain to adjust to balance changes and can help ease vertigo symptoms.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Staying hydrated, avoiding sudden head movements, and managing migraine triggers can also help reduce symptoms.

Will Vertigo Go Away and Can It Be Cured Completely?

For many people, vertigo improves naturally over time, even without treatment. However, in some conditions such as Ménière’s disease, vertigo may recur over months or years. While it may not be possible to cure vertigo permanently for all individuals, with proper management, rehabilitation, and medical care, most people are able to live comfortably and reduce the impact of vertigo on their daily lives.

Book an Appointment with Pantai Hospital

At Pantai Hospital Penang, your health and well-being are our top priorities. Our team of experienced specialists, including skilled neurologists, are dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re managing vertigo or other neurological conditions, we offer advanced diagnostics, effective treatment plans, and compassionate support throughout your health journey.