Are you feeling dizzy or unsteady on your feet? You may be experiencing vertigo, a common condition that affects many people. Vertigo is not a disease, but rather a symptom that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions.
People with vertigo often feel that they or objects around them are moving when they are not, which can cause feelings of light-headedness, imbalance, and nausea. Vertigo can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life, affecting their ability to work, drive, and even perform simple tasks.
In this article, we will explore the causes, symptoms and treatment options for vertigo.
Signs and Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that can cause a range of symptoms. The most common symptoms of vertigo include a sensation of spinning or whirling, feeling off-balance or unsteady, and experiencing nausea or vomiting.
Other symptoms may include headaches, sweating, ringing in the ears, and difficulty focusing or concentrating. In some cases, people may also experience symptoms such as double vision, difficulty speaking or hearing, and a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears.
It is important to note that the severity and duration of these symptoms can vary from person to person and may be indicative of different underlying conditions.
Common Causes of Vertigo
The inner ear is a complex structure that is responsible for our balance and spatial awareness. It contains small crystals that help detect the direction and speed of head movements, but when they become dislodged, they can cause vertigo.
The crystals move through the fluid, activate nerves in the canals, and send signals to the brain that make it think our head is moving when it’s not. This creates a mismatch of information between our senses and brain, leading to the unpleasant sensation of vertigo.
- BPPV or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo – a type of vertigo where a person experiences a sudden and intense feeling of dizziness or spinning when they change the position of their head. It is caused by small crystals in the inner ear becoming dislodged and floating around in the ear canal. This can lead to false signals being sent to the brain about the body’s position and movement, resulting in vertigo symptoms.
- Ménière’s disease – vertigo with hearing loss and ringing in the ears. Ménière’s disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of pressure in the ear. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the inner ear, and the symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. The condition is chronic and can be debilitating, impacting a person’s ability to perform daily activities. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, surgery.
- Labyrinthitis – inflammation of the inner ear. Labyrinthitis is a condition that affects the inner ear, specifically the labyrinth, which plays a crucial role in balance and hearing. It is caused by inflammation of the labyrinth, often as a result of a viral infection, and can result in symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and hearing loss. This condition requires prompt medical attention to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.
Vertigo Treatment Options
Foundation Health Osteopathy provides effective treatment options for various types of vertigo. If you’re experiencing symptoms of vertigo dizziness, it’s recommended to see your GP first. However, if you are referred to us for further assessment and treatment, our team of osteopaths will conduct a comprehensive examination to diagnose your condition.
Depending on the type of vertigo you have, treatment options may include repositioning manoeuvres, medication, and lifestyle changes. Repositioning manoeuvres involve a series of head movements and positioning exercises to move dislodged crystals back to their original location in the inner ear. The Epley manoeuvre and the Brandt-Daroff exercise are two common repositioning manoeuvres used to treat BPPV.
Medication may also be prescribed to manage symptoms of nausea and vomiting. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding sudden head movements can also be recommended to reduce the risk of future vertigo episodes.
At Foundation Health Osteopathy, our aim is to provide comprehensive care for patients with vertigo. Our team of osteopaths are dedicated to helping you find relief from your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
How Foundation Health Osteopathy Can Help
Contact us for an assessment and treatment plan if you’re experiencing symptoms of vertigo.
If you’re experiencing vertigo, it’s important to seek professional help to ensure you receive the right diagnosis and treatment. Here at Foundation Health Osteopathy, our team of osteopaths can assess your symptoms, determine the cause of your vertigo, and develop a tailored treatment plan to help you find relief.
Trying to manage vertigo on your own can be difficult and may not address the underlying cause of your symptoms. Our team of health professionals has the knowledge and resources to provide you with the best possible care.
Don’t let vertigo impact your daily life any longer. Contact Foundation Health Osteopathy today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards feeling better.
References:
- Vestibular Disorders Association. 2020. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). [Online]. Available from: here. [Accessed 28 Feb 2020]
- 2018. Benign Positional Vertigo (BPV). [Online]. Available from: here. [Accessed 28 Feb 2020]
- HANDI project team. 2013. The Epley Manoeuvre. Australian Family Physician. 42 (1). 36-37. Available from: here
