Vertigo

Overview

Vertigo is a condition where the person who experience it says it as "spinning". Sometimes it can inter relate with dizziness as well. Any conditions particularly to the inner ear or brain, can cause this symptom.

Signs and Symptoms

Balance problems and lightheadedness , Sense of motion sickness , Nausea and vomiting , Tinnitus , Feeling of fullness in the ear , Headache

Common Causes

Labyrinthitis, Vestibular neuronitis, Cholesteatoma, Ménière's disease, Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Ototoxicity, Acoustic Neuroma, Traumatic damage

Risk Factors

Being over age 50 , Being a woman , Suffering a head injury , Taking certain drugs especially antidepressants or antipsychotics , Having any medical condition that affects balance or your ears , Experiencing a previous episode of vertigo , Having a family member who has vertigo , Having an inner ear infection , Experiencing high levels of stress , Drinking alcohol

Investigation Techniques

Physical examination , CT Scan , MRI , Electronystagmography (ENG) , Videonystagmography (VNG)

Treatment and Prevention

Vestibular rehabilitation , Canalith repositioning maneuvers , Antibiotic if due to infection , Metoclopramide (Reglan), Ondansetron (Zofran), Diazepam (Valium), In a few cases surgery may be needed for vertigo.

Psychological Issues

Stress , Anxiety