Vertigo is a sensation

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Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or movement — as if you or your surroundings are moving when they’re not. It’s a symptom, not a disease, usually caused by problems in the inner ear (vestibular system) or brain that affect balance.

⚕️ What Vertigo Feels Like

People with vertigo often describe:

  • Feeling like the room is spinning or tilting

  • Difficulty keeping balance

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Dizziness when moving the head

  • Trouble focusing or standing still

🧠 Main Types of Vertigo

  1. Peripheral Vertigo — caused by inner ear problems (most common)

  2. Central Vertigo — caused by brain or nervous system issues

👂 Common Causes

Peripheral (Inner Ear) Causes:

  • BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
    Tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear shift out of place, triggering brief spinning sensations when you move your head.

  • Labyrinthitis or Vestibular Neuritis
    Inner ear infection or inflammation damaging balance nerves.

  • Meniere’s Disease
    Fluid buildup in the inner ear causing vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing (tinnitus).

  • Ear Injury or Surgery

Central Causes (Brain-related):

  • Migraines (Vestibular Migraine)
    Dizziness episodes related to migraine attacks.

  • Stroke or Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
    Affect brain regions that control balance.

  • Head trauma or tumors (rare).

⚠️ Common Symptoms

  • Spinning or swaying sensation

  • Loss of balance or unsteadiness

  • Nausea, vomiting

  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

  • Headache or visual disturbance (especially with migraines)

💊 Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of vertigo.

1. For BPPV (most common type)

  • Epley Maneuver (Canalith Repositioning):
    A series of head and body movements performed by a doctor or physical therapist to move displaced crystals back into place.

  • Brandt-Daroff Exercises:
    Home exercises to reduce symptoms.

2. For Inner Ear Inflammation (Labyrinthitis / Neuritis)

  • Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation.

  • Antiviral or antibiotic medications (if infection suspected).

  • Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT): Balance retraining exercises.

3. For Meniere’s Disease

  • Low-salt diet and diuretics (reduce inner ear fluid buildup).

  • Medication for dizziness/nausea: Meclizine, Diazepam.

  • Severe cases: Injections or surgery on the inner ear.

4. For Central Causes

  • Migraine management: Diet, lifestyle, preventive medications.

  • Neurological treatment: Address stroke, MS, or other brain disorders.

5. General Supportive Treatments

  • Vestibular suppressants: Meclizine (Antivert), Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine).

  • Anti-nausea drugs: Ondansetron or Promethazine.

  • Physical therapy: Improves balance and coordination.

🧘‍♀️ Self-Care Tips

  • Avoid sudden head movements.

  • Sit or lie down when dizzy.

  • Stay hydrated.

  • Manage stress and sleep well.

  • Avoid alcohol or caffeine if symptoms worsen.

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