
Vertigo is a sensation that makes you feel as though your body, or the world around you, is spinning or moving despite being stationary. It causes you to feel dizzy as your brain believes that your body is off balance even though you may not be moving.
It may be surprising to learn that there are many different types of vertigo. Although their symptoms may be largely similar, there are some key differences in the root causes of the dizzy spells experienced. Find out more about some of the most common types of vertigo and their symptoms below:
The symptoms of vertigo in adults may vary from case to case depending on the type of vertigo experienced, but some of the most common symptoms include: a sensation that the world around you is spinning or moving even though you are perfectly still; dizziness; feeling unsteady or unbalanced on your feet; lightheadedness; feeling generally faint; headaches; nausea; vomiting; a ringing in the ears; hearing loss; abnormal eye movements; sweating.
Some people may find that certain activities or movements can trigger a vertigo attack. Identifying any potential triggers, such as bending over or looking up, can be useful as you learn how to deal with the vertigo symptoms experienced.
The causes of vertigo are typically defined as being central (caused by an issue with the spinal cord or brain) or peripheral (caused by an issue with the inner ear):
As diagnosing vertigo may not be as straightforward as some other common ear conditions, your health professional may recommend a suite of tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
In addition to a thorough examination of your medical history, some tests that may be recommended to assist in a vertigo diagnosis include:
When attending an appointment to investigate your vertigo diagnosis, it’s a good idea to have some notes on hand detailing when the symptoms started occurring, how often they occur, how long the symptoms last and any foods or actions that you believe may trigger an attack.
Vertigo may develop as a result of many different health conditions. This can make vertigo prevention difficult, especially since the root causes can be so diverse.
To help reduce the impacts of dizziness in your life, look to drink plenty of water, reduce unnecessary stress and ensure you regularly get enough sleep. Avoiding some substances, such as alcohol, caffeine and excess salt may also reduce the severity of symptoms. If you’ve noticed that certain foods, movements or positions lead to the onset of a vertigo attack, look to avoid them.
Vertigo treatments vary depending on the root cause of the condition. Some potential treatments include:
The type of vertigo you experience and the symptoms that accompany it will help to inform your health care professional of the best care plan for your individual needs.
Some people who experience the symptoms of vertigo may also find that the condition improves over time without the need for medical intervention, while others experience repeated episodes that do require some form of vertigo treatment.
When attending an appointment to investigate your vertigo diagnosis, it’s a good idea to have some notes on hand detailing when the symptoms started occurring, how often they occur, how long the symptoms last and any foods or actions that you believe may trigger an attack.