Dizziness,Vertigo and Imbalance

Vertigo, dizziness, and a sense of imbalance are prevalent conditions that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. These symptoms can arise from dysfunction in the inner ear and brain. It is essential to adopt a methodical approach to diagnose the underlying cause accurately and provide appropriate treatment.

Dizziness, Vertigo and Imbalance

Common Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo can have various causes, but several common ones should be considered:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):

This is the most common but often underdiagnosed cause of vertigo. It manifests as brief episodes of dizziness triggered by specific head movements. BPPV can be effectively treated with repositioning maneuvers like the Epley’s Maneuver, typically performed in a clinic setting.

Meniere’s Disease

This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo lasting more than 30 minutes, often accompanied by vomiting. Auditory symptoms such as ear fullness, ringing (tinnitus), and hearing loss in one ear are common.

Labyrinthitis: 

Labyrinthitis is an infection or interruption of blood supply to the inner ear. It presents with severe dizziness and vomiting for a few days, followed by lingering unsteadiness on the feet for weeks or months.

Migraine-Associated Vertigo:

Migraine can manifest as attacks of dizziness and nausea, especially in individuals with a history of migraines. Typically affecting women between 20 and 55 years of age, treatment with migraine preventive medications can help alleviate symptoms.

Treatment Approaches:

The treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause. For BPPV, repositioning maneuvers performed by healthcare professionals are effective. Ménière’s disease may require lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medications to manage symptoms. Labyrinthitis usually resolves on its own, but supportive care, including medications for symptom relief, may be necessary. Migraine-associated vertigo can be treated with migraine preventive medications.

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Author

Dr. Sana Chohan 

MBBS, FCPS

ENT Consultant