Introduction
Many people experience a passing bout of dizziness or mild vertigo at some point in their lives. However, vertigo can be a debilitating condition that can make it challenging to complete daily tasks. This article covers the personal experiences of people who have undergone the condition, the common symptoms, treatment measures, and how it impairs your daily life.
Personal experiences with vertigo
People who experience vertigo report different symptoms starting from a feeling that the room is spinning, sway, light-headedness, nausea, and a falling sensation. These symptoms can come and go or be persistent, depending on the type of vertigo.
When Sarah J., a 36-year-old city transplant worker, first experienced vertigo symptoms, she felt lightheaded and a sense of impending doom. The symptoms worsened as the day progressed, making it challenging to complete her work. Her doctor diagnosed her with vestibular migraine and recommended a change in her dietary habits, including reducing caffeine and getting more sleep. She has since experienced fewer episodes and has been more productive at work.
Common vertigo symptoms
Vertigo symptoms can differ among people depending on the underlying cause. Nausea, vomiting, and the sensation of spinning are the most common symptoms that people experience. Typical warning signs include:
Swaying
The feeling that the surroundings, floors or walls are swaying, tilting or shifting and the person with vertigo feels like they are unbalanced.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a general term that refers to feelings of lightheadedness or faintness. It often accompanies vertigo and can last for hours or days.
Nausea and vomiting
These are common symptoms that can accompany vertigo. They happen due to a disruption in the balance center in the brain, which can cause stomach upset and a general feeling of sickness.
Questions and answers about vertigo symptoms
Vertigo symptoms vary among people based on the root cause. Let’s examine each symptom and its possible causes.
What causes the sensation of spinning or whirling?
A disruption in the inner ear’s sensory nerve function or damage to the vestibular nerve cells can cause a person to feel spinning sensations. The condition is known as BPPV (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo). Due to dislocation or degradation of crystals that help sense motion, a change in head position triggers a sensation of spinning. Treatment for BPPV includes specialized exercises to reposition the crystals and medication if underlying medical conditions like high blood pressure exist.
What causes imbalance and unsteadiness?
The inner ear transmits signals to the brain to perceive the body’s position and movement in space. If the signals are disoriented, your brain may become confused, leading to balance and unsteadiness problems. Conditions that cause inflammation such as ear infections and vestibular neuritis can prompt this symptom. Conversely, head injuries, aging and neurological conditions like parkinsonism and ataxia may also cause balance and coordination problems. Treatment may entail medical management, rehabilitation, and retraining how to maintain balance in physical activities.
What triggers lightheadedness and faintness?
Lightheadedness and faintness typically go hand in hand. People with anemia, low blood pressure, dehydration, and low blood sugar are prone to frequent episodes of lightheadedness. However, viral infections, medication side effects, and heart arrhythmia can cause faintness episodes. Treatment includes identifying the underlying cause and correcting it as needed.
Related medical conditions
Vertigo often stems from other underlying medical conditions. The following are some common ones:
Migraines
Studies indicate that up to 50% of people with migraines experience vertigo with or without headache symptoms. The vertigo feelings can last for minutes to days, with symptoms including sensitivity to light and sound, confusion, and nausea. Treatment involves usually working on management protocols for migraines, including preventative strategies like medication and lifestyle changes.
Inner ear infections
Infections of the inner ear can cause vestibular neuritis, an inflammation of the nerve responsible for transmitting signals from the ear to the brain. Vestibular neuritis can cause severe spinning vertigo, nausea, and a loss of balance that can last for days. Would-be treatment involves handling underlying infections and the symptom’s severity through medication and changes in lifestyle.
Meniere’s disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear condition that can cause vertigo frequently. Other symptoms include tinnitus, or ear ringing, and hearing loss. The disease stems from an increase in fluid levels in the inner ear, causing pressure that disrupts hearing and balance. Treatment involves medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery for severe cases.
Impact of vertigo on daily life
Vertigo symptoms can adversely affect daily life in several ways. Impairments can cause work performance to suffer, lead to a reduction in social interactions, and put a strain on relationships. Sleep disorders have also been linked with vertigo. As a result, seeking medical attention for vertigo symptoms is crucial to avoid these effects. Measures like medication, therapy, and regular medical checkups can reduce the symptoms and help improve quality of life.
Conclusion
Vertigo symptoms can be daunting, but early detection, diagnosis, and management can prevent the effects from taking over your daily life. While vertigo symptoms can arise from various medical conditions, working through a treatment plan with your healthcare provider can help mitigate the effects. Anyone who experiences vertigo symptoms should seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and get the right care measures.