Vertigo Disease

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Vertigo illness

You feel that you are spinning out of control. Although you aren't moving the world seems to be going around you. You may have vertigo.

Vertigo is a type of dizziness that occurs when you have the false sense of spinning or being in motion. The problem exists in the inner ear structure that controls the balance of the body. Visual stimulia (nystagmus) usually is present when a vertigo attack occurs.

Nothing to do with heights

Vertigo was a good movie though...

Most people think that vertigo has to do with the fear of heights. They usually get that impression from the classic movie Vertigo starring Jimmy Stewart. But if you have vertigo or menieres disease it is probably not a good idea to go any where you might fall.


Vertigo




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What is Dizziness?

Everyone at one time or the other has felt dizzy. It is a common feeling of lightheadedness, feeling like you are losing your balance, or maybe even like you are about to faint. Vertigo can be considered a form of dizziness unlike regular dizziness vertigo sufferers experience a spinning sensation.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo BPPV

Vertigo Disease

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, BPPV, is caused by the sudden turning of the head. When the head moves there are particles in the inner canals of the ear that break loose and send false signals to the brain. The movement can be as slight as turning over in bed or sitting up. A head injury can be the initial cause of BPPV.

Inflammation of the inner ear

One cause of Vertigo

Another cause of vertigo may be the inflammation of the inner ear, called vestibular neuritis. Any sudden movement of the head or eyes can cause intense nausea. This may lead to several days of bed rest but it will go away after a short period of time.

Acoustic Neuroma

Acoustic Neuroma is a benign growth on the vestibular nerve. The first sign that you may have it is hearing loss. It is slow growing and the cause is unknown. It is not heritary in nature. The treatments are surgery or radiation. If left untreated it could be life threatening.

Rapid changes in motion

Rapid changes in motion such as rides in an amusement park or boats or even cars can cause vertigo.
Definitely not the roller coaster!

Over 5 million people a year visit the doctor's office due to vestibular dysfunction, vertigo or dizziness. The cost of medical care is over one billion dollars a year.

Differences between Meniere's disease and vertigo

Vertigo differs from other inner ear illness, especially Meniere's disease in that vertigo is caused by sudden movements of the head which in turn causes the illusion of motion. With Meniere's disease the causes are not that easily defined but it usually isn't brought on by sudden movement. And there isn't a cure for Meniere's Disease

How is vertigo diagnosed?

Vestibular Disorder

The Doctor begins by asking questions about your dizziness: how long did it last, did you lose your balance, did you feel light-headed. From your answers the Doctor can determine whether to continue on to other tests to see if it is BPPV. One test involves the doctor twisting the patient's head quickly and looking to see if the eyes moved in an involuntary way. This procedure is called the Dix-Hallpike test. I had this test done to rule out vertigo, when I was diagnosed with Meniere' Disease.

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Dix-HallPike Test

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What to do about the vertigo

How to cure vertigo

To cure vertigo (BPPV) physical therapy is usually recommended. BPPV is when calcium crystals are lodged in the inner ear where balance and motion are detected. When the vertigo patient moves his head so do the crystals causing a false sense of unbalance and motion. By using a technique called canalith repositioning procedure the doctor or therapist can move the crystals out of the area where the balance sensors are and redirect them into another inner ear area.

Improve your balance

Improving your balance wouldn't cure vertigo but it will certainly help!

How long does vertigo last?

It could be days and even weeks. That is why it is important to seek help immediately.

Dizzy chair helps with vertigo

"Dizzy Chair" Helps Cure Vertigo
by alvaradohospital | video info

1 rating | 6,599 views
curated content from YouTube

Medication and Vertigo

Some of the same medication that is used for Meniere's disease is also recommended for Vertigo, such as Antivert, benadryl and valium. But like Meniere's disease this wouldn't cure this condition only ease the pain and nausea.

What is cervical vertigo?

Cervical vertigo is interesting because it involves movement of the head and dizziness. But unlike meniere's disease it doesn't affect your hearing. For more information go to the American Hearing Organization's website

Cervical Vertigo
by lmkaud | video info

0 ratings | 1,248 views
curated content from YouTube

Vertigo news from Google

Do you suffer from Vertigo, Hearing Loss, Tinnitus! We can help!
Meniere's Australia Support Group Sydney is holding their meeting on Saturday, February 18, at Sutherland United Services Club, 7 East Pde, Sutherland. For people that suffer from Meniere's Disease, vertigo, dizziness, tinnitus and hearing loss.
A look into Meniere's
In recent days, I've run into several people who do not know about Meniere's disease, so I decided that might be a subject for this column - especially since I've been laid up with the same the last few days. According to research I've done, ...
Menieres Disease and Acupuncture
Ménière's disease is a fairly common disorder, occurring in about 1/1000 of the population. It affects both sexes equally and tends to occur in the age range of 30 to 60 years, with 65% of cases occurring before the age of 50.
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Vestibular disorders

Besides vertigo there are other vestibular disorders
  • Meniere's disease which is similar to vertigo
  • Migraine associated vertigo consists of not only a migraine but also being dizzy (also known as MAV)
  • Mal De Debarquement is similar to the feeling you get on a boat
  • Although it is rare Pediatric Vestibular Disorders can occur in children
  • Vestibular disorders are common in older folks. Balance is a major concern for the elderly

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation: Does the Thought Make Your Head Spin?
by greatseminarsonline | video info

1 rating | 638 views
curated content from YouTube

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davidstillwagon

Hi, I'm David Stillwagon. I live in Atlanta with my wife and son. I blog on health and age issues.
I am originally from Uniontown Pa. I have lived in...
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