Everything You Need To Know About Vertigo

If you are diagnosed with vertigo, you’ve probably experienced seeing your surroundings move or spin even though you are still. This disorienting sensation is often described as vertigo—a specific type of dizziness that is a condition commonly faced by older people, although anyone can get it.

In this article, we’ll explore what vertigo is and everything you need to know about this condition, including its causes, symptoms, and what you can do to manage it.

Ano ang Vertigo?

As stated, vertigo is said to be a condition, characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often making people feel as though they or their surroundings are moving when they’re actually still. It’s important to note that vertigo is not a disease but a symptom of underlying health issues, often related to problems in the inner ear or brain.

Another thing to note about vertigo is that it is often confused as dizziness. It is often mistaken for simple lightheadedness, but vertigo is more intense and typically stems from problems in the inner ear or brain. Vertigo occurs when there’s a disruption in the inner ear, particularly within the vestibular system, which helps control balance. Vertigo often occurs in 'attacks' that come and go, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several hours.

Vertigo o Simpleng Hilo?

In a way, vertigo and dizziness can be similar in terms of feeling out-of-balance. However, the key difference between these two is that vertigo is a specific type of dizziness. In contrast, dizziness is a broader term for other sensations, including but not limited to feeling light-headed, unsteady, off-balance, or weak.

Sintomas ng Vertigo

To reiterate, vertigo is a symptom of underlying health issues and is not considered a disease. The main symptom of vertigo is the sensation that you or the surroundings are moving or spinning. Vertigo can manifest in various ways, including:

• Pagkahilo - dizziness or lightheadedness, or oftentimes feeling like your surroundings are spinning or moving

• Pananakit ng ulo - headache

• Hirap sa balanse - loss of balance

• Pagduduwal o pagsusuka - nausea or vomiting, which can lead to loss of body fluid

• Panlalabo ng paningin - blurry vision

• Tinnitus or ringing in the ears - in some cases

These symptoms can come and go, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several hours. Severe episodes can significantly disrupt daily activities and may require immediate medical attention.

Sanhi ng Vertigo

One of the most common causes of vertigo has something to do with the ears, specifically when ear crystals are being disrupted. However, it can also be caused by problems in certain parts of the brain. Overall, potential vertigo causes can vary, including but not limited to:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) - one of the most common causes of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged, affecting balance. It’s often triggered by changes in head position, such as tilting your head, lying down, or turning over in bed.

• Inner Ear Infections or Disorders - as the inner ear plays a crucial role in maintaining balance, conditions like vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, often caused by viral infections, can lead to vertigo.

• Meniere’s Disease - a chronic condition caused by an abnormal buildup of fluid in the inner ear. It’s often accompanied by tinnitus, hearing loss, and a sensation of fullness in the ear.

• Migraine-Associated Vertigo - for people with migraines who experience vertigo as a symptom, this type of vertigo is usually accompanied by light sensitivity, headaches, and nausea.

• Head or Neck Injuries - trauma to the head or neck can disrupt the inner ear or brain’s balance system, leading to vertigo.

• Stroke or Brain Conditions - in rare cases, vertigo can be a symptom of a stroke or other neurological conditions affecting the brain.

• Other causes - such as normal aging, which contributes to feeling dizzy often, and certain medications, including some antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and cardiovascular drugs.

Paano Maagapan ang Vertigo?

Managing vertigo requires understanding its triggers and taking proactive steps to address them. It’s not just about treating symptoms but also maintaining a lifestyle that supports overall balance and wellness. Here’s how you can take control:

• Lifestyle Adjustments - Small changes can make a big difference. Avoid sudden head movements that might trigger dizziness, maintain good posture, and give your body breaks from prolonged screen time or sitting. Staying hydrated and eating balanced meals can also support overall wellness, reducing the risk of episodes.

• Stress Management - Stress can sometimes make vertigo worse. Incorporate relaxation practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. These can help calm your mind and prevent future episodes. In relation to relaxation practices, you can also try doing eye and head movement exercises for managing vertigo and incorporate them into your daily routine.

• Medications - For severe symptoms, consulting a doctor might lead to prescriptions. Certain medication can provide relief and help you manage your dizziness, but it’s essential to follow professional advice.

• Consult a Doctor - If vertigo symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by alarming signs such as severe headaches, difficulty speaking, or weakness in one side of the body, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a more serious condition. Additionally, if you frequently experience vertigo attacks, it is best to consult with a doctor to be able to provide you the right medications and diagnose you properly.

Vertigo can be a challenging condition, but with the right knowledge and management strategies, it is possible to minimize its impact on your life. If you or someone you know is experiencing vertigo, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and find effective treatment options.

By staying informed, you can regain control and improve your quality of life—one steady step at a time. — (MyPharma)

References:

1. https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/vertigo
2. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/vertigo
3. https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/vertigo
4. https://news.sanfordhealth.org/ear-nose-throat/ear-crystals-dizziness/
5. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/dizziness-and-vertigo#
6. https://www.nationaldizzyandbalancecenter.com/dizziness-vs-vertigo/
7. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21769-vertigo
8. https://vlmakabalihospital.com.ph/vertigo/
9. https://www.healthline.com/health/exercises-for-vertigo