Free Medical Advice on Vertigo

Symptoms of vertigo include feeling lightheaded, faint and unsteady. Those with vertigo experience feelings of spinning and whirling and have sensations that the objects surrounding them are moving, also known as objective vertigo. When you feel as if you are moving, it is referred to as subjective vertigo. Vertigo is caused by sudden movement, inner ear disturbances, Meniere's disease, tumors, decreased blood flow to the brain, multiple sclerosis, head trauma and migraines.

Symptoms

• Vertigo symptoms can be mild, such as the feeling of spinning, but there are other symptoms of vertigo such as blurred vision, fatigue, headache, heart palpitations, imbalance, inability to concentrate, motion sickness, muscle aches, nausea and vomiting, problems with thinking and memory, sensitivity to light and even sweating.

Treatment

• Treatment for vertigo first involves finding the underlying cause. Physical therapy is often needed. A patient with vertigo will learn how to use head and body movements to move the calcium crystals that are located within the ear. This can help restore equilibrium and eliminate the feelings of vertigo. Antibiotics are given if there is an ear infection. Antihistamines can also decrease the pressure in the middle ear. If vertigo is caused by stroke, multiple sclerosis or tumors, then treatment may involve medications, radiation or surgery.

Prevention

• Those who have been diagnosed with vertigo should take the advice of their physicians and be careful to avoid falls. Individuals with Meniere's disease should limit salt intake, which can cause swelling and inflammation. If you are at risk for stroke, lower your cholesterol and monitor your blood pressure.

Free Medical Advice on Vertigo

• The Mayo Clinic and the New York Times Health Guide has free medical advice online about vertigo. Your primary care provider can give you more information on vertigo or your local library can give provide you with resource materials free of charge.