Vertigo

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Vertigo
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Dizziness, nausea, vomiting, balance disorder
Complications	Falls, injury
Onset	Sudden or gradual
Duration	Episodes can last from seconds to hours
Types	N/A
Causes	Inner ear disorder, vestibular migraine, Meniere's disease, BPPV
Risks	Head injury, ear infection, migraine, aging
Diagnosis	Clinical examination, Dix-Hallpike test, MRI
Differential diagnosis	Lightheadedness, disequilibrium, presyncope
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Vestibular rehabilitation, medication, surgery
Medication	Antihistamines, benzodiazepines, antiemetics
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	Rare

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or movement, either of oneself or the surrounding environment, when no actual movement is occurring. Vertigo is a symptom of various conditions related to the inner ear or the brain, and can significantly impact an individual's balance and orientation. The experience can be classified into two types: objective vertigo, in which the person feels the external world is spinning, and subjective vertigo, in which the individual perceives themselves as spinning.

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Vertigo

Causes

Vertigo can be caused by several factors, including disorders of the inner ear, central nervous system, or certain medications. Some common causes include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Meniere's disease
• Labyrinthitis
• Vestibular neuritis
• Migraine-associated vertigo
• Multiple sclerosis
• Stroke
• Acoustic neuroma
• Head injury

Symptoms

In addition to the sensation of spinning or movement, vertigo may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Visual disturbances
• Headaches
• Weakness or numbness

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of vertigo. This may involve:

• Patient history and physical examination
• Dix-Hallpike maneuver or other positional testing for BPPV
• Hearing tests
• Blood tests
• Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans
• Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG) tests to evaluate inner ear function

Treatment

Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, for BPPV
• Medications to alleviate symptoms, including anti-vertigo, anti-nausea, and diuretics
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy to improve balance and coordination
• Dietary modifications and stress reduction for Meniere's disease
• Surgical intervention in cases of acoustic neuroma or severe Meniere's disease

Prevention

Some preventive measures for vertigo include:

• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a balanced diet
• Managing stress levels
• Avoiding triggers such as certain foods, medications, or activities that may provoke vertigo symptoms
• Seeking prompt medical attention for ear infections or other underlying conditions

Summary

Illusion of movement. Illusion is a sensation that the external world is revolving around an individual (objective vertigo) or that the individual is revolving in space (subjective vertigo).

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