Vertigo is often referred to as dizziness. However, in reality, not every dizziness is vertigo. Attacks of vertigo can be vague, as well as severe enough to prevent a person from doing their daily chores.
Causes of vertigo
Vertigo is mainly caused by diseases of the central nervous system and inner ear. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vertigo. In this type of vertigo, severe dizziness is observed, which usually occurs after the movement of the head, lasting up to 15 seconds or a few minutes. It can occur as a result of shaking the head back and forth or turning in bed. It usually occurs in the elderly. Respiratory diseases and reduced blood flow to the head area can lead to this condition. Although the findings are disturbing, BPPV is a benign disorder. It usually does not require treatment.
Vertigo can occur as a result of inflammation of the inner ear, called labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis. The causative agents are usually viruses. The most common pathogens are influenza, measles, rubella, herpes, mumps, polio, hepatitis and EBV viruses. Along with dizziness, there may also be hearing loss.
Another disease in which vertigo is observed is Meniere's disease. In Meniere's disease, apart from the symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss are observed. Meniere's disease proceeds in the form of attacks and periods of subsidence. Although the cause of the disease is not exactly known, Decapitation, viruses, heredity and allergies are among the causes.
* Acoustic neurinoma is a kind of tumor of the nervous tissue of the inner ear. Along with vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss occur.
* Vertigo can also occur as a result of blockage of brain vessels or cerebral hemorrhage. Another disease in which vertigo is observed is multiple sclerosis (MS).
* Vertigo may occur after a head injury and neck injuries. Diabetes, low blood sugar, anxiety and panic disorder are other causes of vertigo.
Symptoms of vertigo
In vertigo, a person has a feeling that he or she or those around him are spinning. Vertigo can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abnormal eye movements, and sweating. Hearing loss and tinnitus may occur. Visual impairment, difficulty walking and changes in consciousness may accompany the picture. The problems that accompany vertigo vary according to the main disease that causes vertigo.
When should a doctor be consulted?
If, along with vertigo, there are the following symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor:
* Double vision
* Difficulty speaking
•Headache
* Weakness in the arms and legs
* Loss of balance
* Loss of consciousness
How is vertigo treated?
Treatment of vertigo is carried out according to the underlying disease. If there is a middle ear infection, antibiotics are used. If there is an infection in the ear that does not heal, surgical treatment may be required. In Menier's disease, patients are prescribed a salt-free diet and diuretic drugs. In benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the disease ends spontaneously in a few weeks or months. To the patient in this situation, doctors can perform some positional maneuvers. For patients who do not improve, surgery for the inner ear may be considered for patients who rarely do not improve. Patients with BPPV should avoid sudden head movements, get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids. They should avoid working at height and using dangerous devices. Physical therapy is also used to treat vertigo. During the treatment of vertigo, it is necessary to avoid caffeine, tobacco and alcohol.
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