The hallmark sign of vertigo is a feeling of spinning or whirling when no movement is actually occurring. Other symptoms of vertigo can include trouble balancing, visual disturbances, hearing problems, and nausea. This condition, involving the vestibular system in the ears, can have a number of causes. Treatments are available to manage the vertigo and resolve the cause, if possible. Patients may need to see a specialist like a neurologist to access the most appropriate care.
In vertigo, the vestibular system's normal functions are disrupted. Patients may feel like they or their surroundings are moving, and this can create a sense of disorientation. Patients often feel dizzy, have trouble balancing, and cannot walk safely. They may also feel sick to their stomachs because of the spinning. Some patients have ringing noises in their ears or experience hearing loss, and others may see spots and other visual disturbances.
Symptoms of vertigo can also include sweating or shaking, feeling clammy, and having trouble speaking. Patients may have slurred speech or could have difficulty articulating themselves. If hearing problems are present, the patient could have a flat accent or might speak more loudly than usual. Some patients feel lightheaded, while others may feel heavy, like they are being weighed down by something.
Potential causes of vertigo can include ear infections, variations in the structure of the ear, and a condition called benign paroxysmal vertigo, where loose debris in the ears interferes with the patient's sense of balance. Treatments can involve therapies like taking the patient's head through a series of positions to loosen blockages, antibiotics to treat ear infections, and surgery to address problems with the structure of the ear. Some patients benefit from wearing a neck brace to stabilize their heads while in treatment for vertigo. The brace can prevent some of the worst symptoms of vertigo by keeping the head upright and oriented.
People who experience symptoms of vertigo can meet with a neurologist to receive an evaluation. The doctor can run some tests to find out more about what is happening and will propose some treatment options to the patient. Patients may want to ask about the risks and benefits of various treatments before proceeding.
In patients with a history of balance or ear problems, symptoms of vertigo can be a sign of recurrence. The patient should consult a doctor to get advice on how to proceed. People who experience issues like recurrent ear infections may need to consider more aggressive treatment options to prevent the condition from returning, like surgery to implant drains in the ear and prevent buildups of fluid associated with ear infections.
