Vertigo is a neurological condition caused by an imbalance in the vestibular system, this system is what helps our bodies maintain balance and stay upright. When the vestibular system is out of whack, it can cause dizziness, nausea, or vomiting. The most common cause of vertigo is due to an imbalance in the semicircular canals – these are small depressions on either side of the central canal inside each ear that help move fluid around in that canal.
If you have vertigo, your inner ear will try to keep you up, however, this can make you feel like you’re spinning when you’re stationary. This article will explain how to reduce your chances of getting vertigo and its symptoms, as well as prevent it from ever happening again.
What causes vertigo?
Vertigo is caused by an imbalance in the fluid levels in your ear. The semicircular canals inside your inner ear help keep your balance by working with the fluid in your inner ear to make sure that your head is always moving in the right direction and up and down when you move. If your semicircular canals aren’t operating properly, you’ll feel dizzy, nauseated, and/or sick. Infections, tumors, high blood pressure, ear damage, and drugs can produce vertigo.
Vertigo symptoms and vertigo diagnosis
Vertigo is a medical ailment that involves nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and/or spinning. These sensations can be extremely uncomfortable and even hazardous. Vertigo can be diagnosed with a physical examination and a full history of the symptoms, it can be caused by a variety of medical conditions, such as tumors, high blood pressure, ear damage, and infections. To accurately diagnose vertigo, several other probable reasons must be ruled out.
Vertigo can be ischemic or structural, and medication or injury can temporarily impede inner ear fluid flow, causing transient vertigo.Often, it will only last a few days before the blockage resolves itself and the inner ear reestablishes its normal function. Chronic vertigo, on the other hand, is a long-term condition. It is often associated with other health conditions and medications that affect the vestibular system. Therefore, it is important to consult a vertigo specialist to determine if there are underlying causes.
Medications for vertigo
If you have been diagnosed with vertigo, you must discussany nutritional and herbal supplements you use with your doctor. Taking any drug, especially one that may induce dizziness, without first consulting your doctor is risky.
- Steroids: Steroids can cause vertigo due to the increase in fluid in the inner ear caused by the medication. Caffeine, alcohol, and high-sodium foods like chips, pretzels, and salted nuts should all be consumed in moderation if you are on anabolic steroids.
- Beta Blockers: Beta blockers are taken for high blood pressure, heart disease, and asthma.
- Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants can affect the vestibular system and cause vertigo. Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor of any herbal supplements or medications you are taking.
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises
Rehabilitation for vestibular disorders aims to restore normal function to the semicircular canals by strengthening the muscles in and around them. The physical activity focuses on three primary areas.
- Identify specific and continuous movements of your head. This can be very challenging, especially if you are used to moving your head quickly.
- Balancing your head on one side, the switching to the other side for specific and continuous movements of the head.
- Moving your head in all directions and keeping it straight. This rehabilitation can help improve muscle strength, prevent dizziness and vertigo, and help with the quality of life.