Vertigo is a common condition in which people complain about being dizzy. They feel
like they are moving or things around them are moving. A standing person can fall due to
it. Therefore, if you ever have vertigo, try to sit as soon as possible. It can happen for the
long term as well as for short and occur due to different reasons. If you have a complaint
of long-lasting vertigo, it could be due to some ear infections. You must visit a top ENT
specialist in Lahore for the treatment.
Vertigo can be a symptom of any underlying disease, pregnancy, or medication. A
healthcare provider can help you get rid of it by reaching the final diagnosis and giving
the right treatment.
Symptoms
Vertigo itself is a symptom of some underlying cause. However, it can occur with the
following symptoms.
Nausea
Vomiting
Dizziness
Feeling of spinning
Balance problem
Ringing in ears
Lightheadedness
A feeling of fullness in the ear
Uncontrolled movement of eyes
Causes
There are various causes of vertigo. Some of them are as follows.
Labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is inflammation of the inner ear that mostly occurs due to infection of the
inner part of the ear. Due to which, a nerve called vestibulocochlear nerve is affected that
controls the motion, sound and position perception.
Along with vertigo, the person suffering from labyrinthitis may have a complaint of
headache, vision loss, ear pain and ringing in the ear.
Ménière’s disease
In this condition, fluid builds up inside the ear. Due to which the person feels ear fullness,
ringing in the ear and vertigo. Mostly it occurs among the age group of 40 to 60 years.
But it can also occur in young people.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Our ear contains fluid and crystals, that help us in maintaining the balance. If the crystal
falls into the semicircular canal, they cause vertigo. It happens because your brain
perceives wrong information about your movement and positioning. Vertigo may occur in
episodes, and one may last for at least 60 seconds.
Migraine
Migraine may cause episodes of vertigo during, before and after the attack. Sometimes, a
person can get an insight that they may get a migraine in some time due to the onset of
vertigo.
Head injury
Any injury to head or ear can cause vertigo. It usually occurs when fluid balance within
the ear disrupts.
The other causes of vertigo are as follows.
Abnormal growth of bone in the middle ear known as otosclerosis
Shingles
Low blood pressure
Taking medicines that lower blood pressure like diuretics or beta-blockers
Syphilis
Ataxia
Ear infection
Meningitis
Brain tumour
Stroke
Multiple sclerosis
Pregnancy due to hormonal changes and postural changes
Treatment
Generally, your healthcare provider would treat the underlying cause of vertigo. For
example, if it occurs due to ear infection, they would prescribe antibiotics or antivirals to
get rid of it. However, some antiemetics and antihistamines may also help in getting rid of
vertigo that occur due to conditions like BPPV or labyrinthitis.
Conclusion
Vertigo is one of the most common problems people report with to the hospital. It can
occur due to various reasons. Lifestyle changes can also help in its management. Stay in a
dark, quiet room and try to sleep during the attack. Moreover, switch on the light in the
room when you are moving.
Sit as you feel a dizzy spell. If you keep standing, the chances of falling increase. If you
are suffering from vertigo, do not delay your visit to a healthcare provider. Prolonging ear
infections can lead to hearing loss. Therefore, do not delay and visit the best ENT
specialist in Lahore.
