If you ever feel dizzy or unsteady, and you’ve not just stepped off a rollercoaster, then you may be one of the 10% of people in the world who experience vertigo each year. In most cases the symptoms are harmless, but they can be unpleasant and interfere with your daily life.
Vertigo is the sensation of rotation, either that the patient is rotating or they feel that the room is rotating. This feeling can vary from being mild and barely noticeable to much more severe and stop you from doing your usual everyday tasks. You may find your hearing is affected, too. While vertigo is not actually a condition in itself, it is a symptom of a medical condition.
If you find yourself feeling off balance, then you should book a consultation with your doctor or licensed hearing care professional as you may have one of the two most common forms of vertigo: peripheral and central. They will be able to determine the type of vertigo you have and provide you with more information on hearing loss and the best treatment for your symptoms.
Central vertigo is generally caused by a disease or injury to the brain such as:
Symptoms of central vertigo often come on suddenly and tend to be last longer than peripheral vertigo. They include:
The only way to effectively manage central vertigo is to find the root cause of it. If migraines are found to be the cause, appropriate medication and reducing your stress can help. For other ongoing conditions, such as certain tumors or multiple sclerosis, treatment may focus on managing the symptoms. For instance, medication to reduce nausea or the sensation of movement.
If you have vertigo, then it’s likely you have peripheral vertigo, the most common type of vertigo, and is caused by a problem in the inner ear. While the inner ear controls your balance, it can become damaged by:
Peripheral vertigo can cause symptoms of:
Peripheral vertigo can start without warning and stop just as quickly. Your eyes may also move without your control. This movement may go away when you try to focus on a fixed point. This generally happens during the first few days of your symptoms and then will disappear.
Treatments for peripheral vertigo focus on managing the condition that causes it.
Vertigo can sometimes be just a once-off episode that comes and goes relatively quickly. However, if you find that you have repeated episodes of hearing loss and dizziness, then it’s time to see a doctor or licensed hearing care professional for evaluation and treatment. Dizziness can sometimes be a symptom of something more serious so it’s important to get checked out as soon as possible.
Serc is a medication frequently used to manage vertigo, particularly in conditions such as Ménière's disease and other vestibular disorders. Serc helps alleviate vertigo by improving blood flow to the inner ear, which can reduce dizziness and balance issues. By acting on histamine receptors, Serc decreases the frequency and severity of vertigo symptoms, enhancing overall stability and well-being. Patients using Serc for vertigo often experience significant relief, but it is crucial to use it under medical supervision to tailor the treatment to individual needs and ensure safety.
It's time to finally treat your hearing loss. Sign up for a free consultation with a licensed hearing care professional today to determine if you have hearing loss. It’s the start of your journey towards better hearing.
EarPros benefits:
Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can cause dizziness due to pressure build-up in the sinus cavities, affecting balance and creating sensations of spinning or lightheadedness. Common sinusitis symptoms include facial pain, congestion, headaches, and pressure around the eyes and forehead. Treatment options like saline rinses, decongestants, and steam inhalation can help relieve sinus pressure and dizziness. For persistent cases, consult a healthcare provider for further treatment, including antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications if needed.
Simone Biles has experienced a condition known as "the twisties", which is distinct from vertigo but shares some similar symptoms. The twisties involve a sudden loss of spatial awareness and control during aerial maneuvers, making it difficult for gymnasts to determine their orientation in mid-air. This can lead to disorientation and increased risk of injury. Unlike vertigo, which is often related to inner ear issues causing a spinning sensation, the twisties are more about mental disorientation and lack of control in physical space.
The twisties can severely impact a gymnast's performance, as seen in Biles' case during the Tokyo Olympics, where it led to her withdrawing from several events to prioritize her safety. Despite these challenges, Biles has made a remarkable recovery and continues to compete.
