Understanding Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Diagnosis Explained

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo, is a condition that causes the sensation of spinning or swaying, often disrupting balance and can significantly impact daily life. Unlike ordinary dizziness, vertigo makes you feel as if your surroundings are spinning, or sometimes, it may feel like you are spinning yourself. This can make it difficult to stand, walk, or focus.

Vertigo can last from a few seconds to several hours or even days. Severe cases may persist for weeks, affecting quality of life and increasing the risk of falls or injuries.

What Causes Vertigo? Common Triggers and Conditions 

The cause of vertigo is often related to issues in your inner ear, which controls balance. Common causes of vertigo include:

• Migraines: For some individuals, migraines can cause vertigo, referred to as vestibular migraines. Symptoms may include headache, visual disturbances, and sensitivity to light and sound.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is one of the most common causes of vertigo, occurring when small calcium particles (canaliths) accumulate in the inner ear canals, disrupting fluid movement. This can cause false signals to be sent to the brain, leading to the sensations that your surroundings are spinning.
• Ménière’s Disease: Caused by fluid buildup in the inner ear, Ménière’s disease leads to episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: These conditions involve inflammation of either the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain, or the labyrinth, an inner ear structure. Inflammation, often caused by viral infections, can produce severe vertigo.
• Head Injuries or certain medications can also cause vertigo in some cases.

In many cases, vertigo improves over time without the need for extensive treatment. However, conditions like Ménière’s disease may cause recurring vertigo episodes that persist for months or even years.

Recognising the Symptoms of Vertigo

Vertigo symptoms vary by individual and may appear as:

• Sensations of spinning, tilting, or feeling off-balance.
• Worsening of symptoms with head movements, changing positions, coughing, or sneezing.

Additional symptoms may occur based on the underlying cause of vertigo:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Headaches, with sensitivity to light or noise.
• Double vision, speech difficulties, or weakness.
• Sweating, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Vertigo

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to identify the cause of vertigo:

• Severe or sudden headaches.
• High fever (above 38°C).
• Double vision.
• Inability to stand or walk unaided.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Having risk factors for a stroke due to diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking.

Diagnosing Vertigo

Diagnosing vertigo typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and specific diagnostic tests such as:

1. Dix-Hallpike test: To help diagnose BPPV by positioning the patient to trigger vertigo symptoms and observing eye movements for nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).
2. Audiometry and other hearing tests: To help identify any hearing loss, which is often present in cases of Ménière’s disease.
3. Imaging tests, like MRI or CT scans: These tests are used to rule out central causes of vertigo, such as stroke, tumours, or neurological conditions.
4. Orthostatic blood pressure testing: A sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing may indicate an underlying autonomic issue or dehydration.

Treatment Approaches for Vertigo

Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause. Common treatments for vertigo include:

• Antihistamines such as meclizine or diphenhydramine for managing symptoms
• Antiemetics like ondansetron or promethazine to control nausea
• Sedatives like diazepam, in certain cases of vertigo
• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based treatment that helps the balance system adapt, relieving vertigo symptoms.

Make an Appointment for Vertigo Treatment at Gleneagles Hospitals and Regain Your Balance

If vertigo is affecting your daily life or you have concerns about your symptoms, book an appointment at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals for consultation. The team of neurologists is dedicated to providing specialised care, tailored to individual needs.

We offer personalised care tailored to your specific needs, helping you understand the cause of your vertigo and providing effective treatment options. Whether you’re dealing with Vestibular Neuritis, BPPV, or another underlying condition, our team is dedicated to helping you regain stability and improve your quality of life.