If vertigo symptoms are not identified and addressed promptly, they can reduce a person’s quality of life and lead to serious health issues. Symptoms manifest as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance. Severe vertigo attacks can complicate daily activities and pose significant dangers.
Here, we discuss vertigo symptoms, treatment methods, and other frequently asked questions related to this condition.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness where a person feels as though everything around them is spinning. Vertigo can be a condition on its own or a symptom of other illnesses. The primary cause of vertigo is disorders within the brain, inner ear, or the nerves connecting these areas.
Not all dizziness should be considered a symptom of vertigo. Vertigo attacks can range from being intensely disruptive to barely noticeable. Vertigo is classified into two types based on its source: Peripheral Vertigo and Central Vertigo.
Peripheral Vertigo
Peripheral vertigo is caused by problems in the ear and is the most common type of vertigo. Dizziness is triggered by head movements. Certain movements can help prevent these attacks.
Central Vertigo
Central vertigo is caused by neurological issues and is more commonly seen in older adults (typically over the age of 55-60). The primary cause of this condition is insufficient blood circulation in the brain. The brain is nourished by the anterior and posterior arteries coming from the neck. Insufficiencies in the posterior arteries can lead to dizziness, nausea, and loss of balance.
What Causes Vertigo?
The primary causes of vertigo are disorders in the central nervous system and the inner ear. Additionally, the causes of vertigo can be explained as follows:
- Inflammation of the inner ear.
- Viruses such as rubella, influenza, polio, hepatitis, and EBV can cause hearing loss and dizziness.
- Meniere’s disease can lead to vertigo.
- Brain hemorrhages and blockages in the brain’s blood vessels can cause vertigo.
- Symptoms of vertigo can appear after neck and head trauma.
- Low blood sugar and diabetes are also among the causes of vertigo.
- Panic and anxiety disorders are factors that can trigger vertigo.
What Are the Symptoms of Vertigo?
The most common symptom of vertigo is dizziness. Additionally, the most prevalent symptom is difficulty maintaining body balance. Dizziness combined with balance issues can cause a person to feel disoriented and lose control.
Initial Symptoms
Knowing the initial symptoms of vertigo is crucial for taking the necessary precautions for early treatment. Common initial symptoms of vertigo attacks include:
- Balance problems following dizziness.
- Headaches.
- A feeling of dizziness due to loss of balance.
- Motion sickness during movement or travel.
- Nausea and vomiting associated with dizziness.
- Ear blockage and ringing.
- Eye movements and eyelid tremors.
Symptoms of Central Vertigo
Central vertigo arises from disorders in the brain’s balance center. Conditions like vascular disorders in the brain, tumors, and aneurysms can trigger vertigo. It is also known as neurological vertigo. Symptoms of central vertigo include:
- Mild and consistent dizziness due to problems in the brain’s balance systems.
- Involuntary eye movements (unilateral or bilateral).
- Rare instances of hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Speech disturbances.
- Double vision accompanying dizziness.
- Swallowing difficulties.
- Severe balance disorders.
Also known as neurological vertigo, this type occurs due to reduced blood flow to the brain. The dizziness in this type lasts longer compared to others, and its treatment takes time.
Symptoms of Peripheral Vertigo
Peripheral vertigo is a disease caused by the vestibular system or the inner ear. Causes include exposure to cold and inner ear trauma, leading to vertigo attacks. Symptoms of peripheral vertigo include:
- Dizziness that intensifies, fluctuates, and continues at night.
- Frequent involuntary eye movements.
- Common hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Nausea felt in response to body movement, followed by vomiting.
- Fullness, ringing, and buzzing in the ear.
Dizziness in peripheral vertigo is short-lived. This type does not involve symptoms like loss of consciousness or visual disturbances. With an accurate diagnosis, treatment of this condition is relatively straightforward.
Symptoms of Vertigo in the Elderly
In the elderly, dizziness and a sense of imbalance often develop alongside hearing and balance problems. This is because the organs responsible for maintaining balance in the elderly do not function as effectively.
What is Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo and Its Symptoms?
Benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vertigo, frequently occurring in the elderly. Positional vertigo symptoms include:
- Dizziness that lasts no more than a minute.
- Dizziness triggered by head movements or turning over in bed.
- Dizziness accompanied by eye strain during reading.
- In the elderly, the most common vertigo symptom is dizziness caused by reduced messages transmitted to the brain due to damage to sensory nerves.
- A feeling of dizziness when bending down, straightening up, or looking upwards.
- A sensation of swaying while walking.
Understanding Benign Paroxysmal Vertigo
Benign paroxysmal vertigo symptoms usually occur with head movements. While the dizziness symptoms can be bothersome, BPPV is not a severe condition. Treatment is not required unless the symptoms intensify.
How is Vertigo Tested and Diagnosed?
To diagnose vertigo, a doctor first listens to the patient’s complaints and conducts a physical examination. After this examination, the underlying cause of the vertigo is investigated. Tests related to the central nervous system and the inner ear are performed. Depending on the doctor’s request, an ultrasound, angiography, and MRI may be conducted.
For detecting disorders caused by fluid movements in the inner ear canals, a Videonystagmography (VNG) test is performed. This test helps determine the most appropriate treatment based on the type of vertigo.
How is Vertigo Treated?
The treatment for vertigo is determined based on the type of underlying condition causing it. If the issue is related to the brain, the patient is referred to a neurology department. If it is a psychological issue, the patient is directed to a psychiatry clinic.
If vertigo symptoms are caused by a brain-related issue, treatment may involve medication or surgical intervention. Once the underlying condition is treated, the vertigo symptoms usually resolve. If vertigo is caused by a middle ear infection, the patient may need to take antibiotics. If this method is not effective, surgery may be required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vertigo Symptoms
How Do I Know If I Have Vertigo?
Common complaints such as dizziness, visual blackouts, and nausea often indicate vertigo, which generally manifests as recurring dizziness. If the dizziness persists and recurs, vertigo might be suspected. However, a definitive diagnosis should be made by a specialist doctor.
What is the Most Distinctive Feature of Vertigo?
The most distinctive feature of vertigo is causing dizziness. However, not all dizziness is a symptom of vertigo. Does vertigo cause headaches? Headaches can be among the symptoms of vertigo, but not all types of vertigo include headaches as a prominent feature.
Is Vertigo a Psychological Disorder?
Psychological issues can be among the causes of vertigo, a type known as psychogenic vertigo. Symptoms appear when individuals are stressed, anxious, or upset. The most common symptoms are balance problems accompanied by dizziness during these emotional states.
How Should a Person with Vertigo Sleep?
A person showing vertigo symptoms should sleep in a flat position. The sleeping posture of vertigo patients is crucial for the development and frequency of attacks. The positions of the balance crystals in the ear are fundamental factors affecting dizziness. Keeping the head tilted for a long time can trigger attacks. Therefore, taking precautions during sleep and daily activities can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with vertigo.