Vertigo
Understanding and managing vertigo through evidence-based diagnosis, treatment approaches, and rehabilitation strategies.
Vertigo affects approximately 15-20% of adults yearly, being 2-3 times more common in women than men. It significantly impacts daily life, with 80% of people reporting interruption in daily activities and employment.
Understanding Vertigo
Primary Symptoms
- •Sensation of spinning or rotation
- •Loss of balance
- •Nausea and vomiting
- •Visual disturbances
- •Difficulty focusing eyes
Associated Symptoms
- •Hearing changes or loss
- •Ringing in ears (tinnitus)
- •Headache
- •Sweating
- •Nystagmus (abnormal eye movements)
Types of Vertigo
Peripheral Vertigo
Originates from inner ear problems or vestibular system dysfunction.
- •BPPV (most common cause)
- •Meniere's Disease
- •Vestibular neuritis
- •Labyrinthitis
Central Vertigo
Results from problems in brain areas controlling balance.
- •Vestibular migraine
- •Stroke
- •Multiple sclerosis
- •Brain tumors
Common Triggers
Positional Changes
Movements that trigger vertigo episodes
- •Rolling over in bed
- •Looking up or down
- •Bending over
- •Quick head movements
Environmental
External factors that can worsen symptoms
- •Moving visual environments
- •Heights
- •Busy patterns
- •Screen movement
Health-Related
Medical conditions that may trigger vertigo
- •Infections
- •Medication side effects
- •Blood pressure changes
- •Dehydration
Warning Signs
Seek Immediate Medical Care If You Experience:
- ⚠Sudden severe vertigo with new neurological symptoms
- ⚠Vertigo with severe headache or neck pain
- ⚠Loss of consciousness
- ⚠Sudden hearing loss
- ⚠Double vision or other visual changes
- ⚠Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- ⚠Weakness in arms or legs
- ⚠First episode of severe vertigo after age 50
Treatment Approaches
Repositioning Maneuvers
- •Epley maneuver
- •Semont maneuver
- •Home exercises
- •Professional guidance for proper technique
Vestibular Rehabilitation
- •Gaze stabilization exercises
- •Balance training
- •Habituation exercises
- •Customized exercise programs
Medical Management
- •Anti-vertigo medications
- •Treatment of underlying conditions
- •Management of risk factors
- •Regular monitoring
Recovery Timeline
Acute Phase (0-24 hours)
Initial management and symptom control
- •Symptom management
- •Medical evaluation
- •Safety measures
Early Recovery (1-2 weeks)
Beginning specific treatments
- •Starting exercises
- •Medication adjustments
- •Activity modifications
Rehabilitation (2-8 weeks)
Active treatment phase
- •Regular exercise program
- •Improved stability
- •Return to activities
Maintenance
Long-term management
- •Prevention strategies
- •Monitoring for recurrence
- •Continued exercises as needed
Clinical Statistics
Prevention Strategies
Movement Adaptation
Learning to move safely to prevent episodes
Environmental Modifications
Creating a safer living space
Lifestyle Management
Maintaining healthy habits
Regular Exercise
Maintaining balance and strength
Care Team
Primary Care Physician
Areas of Expertise:
- •Initial evaluation
- •Diagnosis coordination
- •Treatment oversight
ENT Specialist
Areas of Expertise:
- •Detailed vestibular testing
- •Inner ear evaluation
- •Specialized treatments
Neurologist
Areas of Expertise:
- •Central cause evaluation
- •Advanced testing
- •Complex cases