Vertigo Analysis

Vertigo is a condition similar to dizziness in which one has the sensation of movement or spinning of their body or their surroundings. Vertigo is a common medical problem amongst most adults, and many have experienced vertigo at least once in their lifetime. It is possible to treat most vertigo cases with medication.

Identifying Factors

• There are two types of vertigo: subjective and objective. Subjective vertigo is when a person feels if they are moving even though they are standing still. Objective vertigo is the issue of feeling the environment around the individual is swaying. Most vertigo cases stem from trouble with the inner ear or neurological problems. Vertigo can also be brought about by cardiovascular disorders such as an irregular heart rate, migraines or tumors.

Effects

• Many suffering from vertigo describe it as if the world is spinning or they get the feeling that they are being pulled to toward the ground. Other symptoms of vertigo can include blurry vision, headache, offset balance, fatigue, difficulty in concentrating and sweating. Some forms of vertigo develop after a person has a stroke. These forms of vertigo develop over time, while most other vertigo symptoms are seen immediately.

Considerations

• It is important to diagnose the cause of the vertigo quickly as it could be the result of a more serious medical condition such as a stroke or tumor. Many factors such as the patient's medical history, length of time the vertigo sensation occurs, and what precedes the onset of the feeling can help the physician diagnose the problem. Doctors use a number of neurological and physical tests to help determine the cause. Most cases of vertigo, especially those caused by inner ear infections, can be treated with antibiotics. Some cases require vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which is designed to decrease dizziness and help improve the patient's balance.

Prevention/Solution

• While most cases of vertigo cannot be prevented, there are a few things that can be done to avoid vertigo. Sometimes vertigo can be caused by simply getting up too quickly out of a chair or sitting up too fast in bed. This can cause a sudden change in blood flow, which could give off the sensation of being lightheaded for a few seconds or minutes. Most cases of vertigo result from head injuries, which, as careful as a person might be, are not always preventable.

Theories/Speculation

• Physicians are currently studying the connection between vertigo and the vestibular system, which includes the inner ear, the vestibular nerve and the cerebellum. They are trying to determine the exact link between the inner ear and the brain that may trigger vertigo. Blood pressure can also play a role in causing vertigo. In addition, genetic studies have been conducted to try to determine if inherited conditions in the vestibular system affect balance.