Vertigo FAQ
Vertigo is a feeling that the surrounding around you is spinning or moving in a circular motion. It is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of varying underlying conditions. If you have vertigo, you will feel off-balance and dizzy.
What are the different types of vertigo?
Broadly speaking vertigo is of two types: 1. Peripheral vertigo – is related to problems with the internal ear.
2. Central vertigo – is due to problems with the central nervous system – i.e., the brain.
Is vertigo related to Blood Pressure?
Yes, low blood pressure can cause vertigo.
Is neurological vertigo different?
Yes, neurological vertigo is different.
Vertigo FAQ – Does vertigo cause nausea and vomiting?
Vestibular neuritis: If the cause of vertigo is due to vestibular neuritis (the inflammation of the vestibular nerve), the symptoms that manifest may include nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, and vertigo. There is no issue with hearing though.
Is vertigo a serious condition?
Vertigo in itself is not considered as serious, but, at times, it can turn troublesome – especially when it is linked to some potentially damaging health issues -such as brain infections, injury, or brain stroke. Occasionally if you get mild to moderate vertigo, it is not a major concern. But if you experience prolonged and recurrent vertigo attacks lasting for hours, then you must inform your neurologist to get a thorough evaluation done by the doctor.
Can vertigo be due to any serious health issue?
Yes, vertigo is a symptom of varying underlying conditions. It can also be due to a serious neurological health issue such as traumatic head injury, infection, brain tumor, or a stroke.
What are the causes of vertigo related to the internal vestibular system of the ear?
The following causes are related to the internal vestibular system of the ear:
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – is triggered by the changes in the positions of the head. People experience this condition mostly when they sit, stand, lie down, and turn their heads in bed while sitting or lying down.
The build-up of fluid inside the ear causes vertigo (Meniere’s disease). The symptoms include ear pressure, fullness in the ear, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.
Vestibular neuritis is the inflammation of the vestibular nerve.
Cholesteatoma: repeated ear infections lead to the development of skin growth that may cause vertigo and hearing loss.
Vertigo FAQ – Are there any other causes of vertigo?
There are other factors that can lead to vertigo attacks. Here are some common vertigo causes:
The other causes of vertigo include the following: repeated headaches, migraine episodes, use of certain medicines, head injuries, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, low blood pressure, ear surgery, shingles in or near the ear, prolonged bed rest, hear trauma (injury), Acoustic neuroma, multiple sclerosis (MS), brain infections such as meningitis; otosclerosis ( a bone growth affecting the middle ear); muscle weakness or ataxia; hyperventilation; perilymphatic fistula (inner ear fluid leaks into the middle ear) and syphilis.
Who treats vertigo – Is it an ENT Doctor or a Neurologist?
If the cause of vertigo is problems with the internal ear and infections of the ear then an ENT specialist treats the underlying cause. If the cause of vertigo is due to issues with the nervous system, then a neurologist treats vertigo.
