what is vertigo? What are its symptoms and how is it treated?

Vertigo can be caused by a number of factors, including ear infections, head injuries, neurological problems, or balance disorders

Vertigo is a balance disorder that causes a sensation of movement around us, without actually moving anything. “Those who suffer from it feel dizzy that prevents them from moving safely due to the impression of not finding stability, even when staying still.

Accompanying dizziness, buzzing, some hearing loss and pressure in the ear can also be perceived, but also headache (headache) and nausea & rdquor ;, comments the Dr. Zenaida Pineirospecialist in otorhinolaryngology at Clínica Corachan.

The cause of vertigo can derive from different factors, such as ear infections, head injuries, neurological problems, balance disorders, among others. Therefore, it is important to consult with a specialist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications.

In general, as indicated by the Corachan Clinic specialist, “if you experience any symptoms of vertigo or balance problems that worry you, it is advisable to consult a specialist doctor& rdquor ;.

The otolaryngologist is the ear, nose and throat specialist doctor and, therefore, the professional trained to diagnose and treat problems related to balance and the vestibular system, which are the main causes of vertigo.

Your GP may also be able to refer you to a specialist in neurology, if you suspect that your vertigo is related to neurological problems. In some cases, the collaboration of both specialists may be required to obtain a complete diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.

Consultation with an ENT specialist should be considered if recurrent episodes of vertigo are experienced, or if vertigo significantly affects the ability to perform activities of daily living. It is also advisable to seek medical attention if you experience additional symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, balance problems, difficulty walking or hearing changes.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of vertigo -explains Dr. Piñeiro- is based on the patient’s clinical history and the symptoms they present. However, in some cases, specific tests may be required to determine the underlying cause of vertigo.

Tests that may be done to diagnose vertigo include:

1. vestibular tests, to evaluate the function of the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial perception. These tests may include nystagmus (involuntary eye movement), the Dix-Hallpike test (which assesses the presence of positional vertigo), and calorimetry (which assesses the response of the inner ear to changes in temperature).
2. Audiological tests, for hearing ability, which can help determine if vertigo is related to inner ear problems. These tests may include an audiometry, an impedance test (to see how the middle ear is working), and an auditory brainstem response test.
3. Diagnostic Imaging may also be required in some cases. This could be a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to rule out other possible causes of vertigo, such as brain injury or a tumor.

Dr. Zenaida Piñeiro points out that “it is important to bear in mind that the type of tests that are carried out will depend on the suspected cause of the vertigo and the clinical judgment of the specialist& rdquor ;. And she adds that, “in some cases, the diagnosis can be difficult to determine, and may require the collaboration of multiple specialists to reach an accurate determination & rdquor ;.

Treatment

Treatment for vertigo will depend on the underlying cause and the severity of the symptoms. In some cases, it goes away on its own without the need for treatment. However, in other cases, specific treatment may be necessary to control the symptoms and prevent possible complications.

The ENT specialist at Clínica Corachan says that some common treatment options for vertigo include:

1. Medicines. They can be helpful in controlling the symptoms of vertigo, and those most commonly used include antiemetics, which help reduce nausea and vomiting, and antivertigo, which reduce feelings of vertigo.
2. vestibular rehabilitation. It is a physical therapy that can be helpful for some people with vertigo. It consists of a series of exercises and maneuvers that help train the brain to compensate for the loss of balance and reduce the sensation of vertigo.
3. Changes in lifestyle. Avoiding certain foods, cutting back on alcohol or caffeine, or sleeping with your head elevated may help reduce vertigo symptoms.
4. Treatment of the underlying cause. If the vertigo is related to an underlying condition, such as an ear infection or a neurological disorder, treatment of the underlying cause may be necessary to control vertigo symptoms.

It is important to consult with a specialist in otorhinolaryngology to receive an accurate diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment for each specific case.

Prevention

In general, there is no guaranteed way to prevent vertigo -says Dr. Piñeiro-, since it can be caused by different factors, some of which cannot be controlled. However, there are some measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of experiencing vertigo:

1. Maintain good ear hygiene it can help prevent ear infections, which can be a common cause of vertigo. Avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noise can also help prevent hearing loss and ear problems that can cause vertigo.
2. stress and anxiety they can trigger vertigo in some people. Therefore, learning techniques such as meditation or deep breathing can help reduce the symptoms of vertigo.
3. Maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent arterial hypertension and the diabeteswhich are risk factors for some types of vertigo.
4. Regular physical activity can help improve balance and reduce the risk of falls, which can cause vertigo.

Although medical treatment can be effective in controlling vertigo symptoms, in some cases there may be habits or lifestyle changes that can also help improve symptoms or bring vertigo under more control. Some of those habits may include:

1. Avoid sudden movements, because they can trigger or worsen the symptoms of vertigo. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid rapid movements of the head, such as turning or tilting the head sharply.
2. Getting adequate rest can help reduce fatigue and anxietywhich can worsen vertigo symptoms.
3. Perform balance exercisessuch as balancing on one foot or walking in a straight line, can help improve balance and reduce symptoms of vertigo.
4. Keep a diet healthy It can help reduce the risk of conditions that can cause vertigo, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

It is important to note that vertigo can be a recurring condition in some cases, even with medical treatment. Therefore, it is important to work with an ENT specialist to determine the underlying cause of vertigo and receive appropriate treatment. Your doctor can also help identify habits or lifestyle changes that can help control vertigo symptoms and improve quality of life.