Vertigo

Sometimes we experience a reeling of the head and a feeling of dizziness. Ordinarily these are signs of weakness and fatigue but sometimes it may be a manifestation of Vertigo. This condition is caused when there is a  problem with the inner ear and it  affects the balance of the body. As a result, the person experiences a feeling of swaying or falling down although his body may remain stationary.

Effects-Vertigo may cause nausea and vomiting. In extreme cases, the patient may have difficulty in standing or walking. But in majority of the cases, vertigo does not cause a long term effect.

Causes-Temporary cases of vertigo may be found in people suffering from common cold, influenza and infections caused by bacteria. Sea sickness or long air journeys as well as a exposure to prolonged high levels of sound may cause a temporary loss of balance. Consumption of alcohol is also a reason for unbalanced gait. Withdrawal symptoms of antidepressant medicines can cause vertigo like effects as well.

An extremely rare nerve disease known as paraneoplastic syndrome may sometimes be associated with vertigo.

Medical Tests- A patient with vertigo often has to undergo a number of tests to acertain the underlying medical condition. Tests of the vestibular system, Auditory system and other diagnostic tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)  and CAT scans are normally carried out.

Treatment- Since vertigo is often found as a symptom of underlying diseases the treatment of  the cause diminishes the effect. Treatment may include vestibular rehabilitation. Doctors prescribe anticholinergics, benzodiazepines and antihistamines which help in reducing vertigo considerably. If the vertigo is caused by mild inflammation of the inner ear following bacterial or viral infections then a mild antibiotic may be recommended. In cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a rare type of vertigo the physician may perform the Epley maneuver or BPPV maneuver. Calcium channel antagonists, GABA modulators or neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitors may frequently be used to get rid of vertigo like symptoms.