Vertigo is a complex condition characterized by episodes of dizziness and instability. It can be central or peripheral. How to recognize it? What are your causes? In this space we detail it.
Vertigo is a sudden feeling that everything is spinning inside the head. In turn, it is perceived as vacuum precipitation, but in reality, it is not. Although it seems that the body is moving, the truth is that it is still in the same position.
Although it may be sporadic, there are those who suffer from it frequently. If so, it is advisable to consult the doctor, as it may be related to diseases of greater care. Information published in the medical journal Mayo Clinic Proceedings suggests that this symptom represents between 2 and 3% of consultations in emergencies.
However, its causes are diverse and its diagnosis can be difficult since it is often confused with common dizziness. Therefore, below we explain what are its main causes, how to recognize it and what treatments are available.
What does vertigo consist of?
Others describe vertigo as a sensation in which the body seems to move, even when in a resting position. Also, it may seem that things are moving around. The described movement is in the form of rocking or displacement.
In any case, it is a disorder caused by an alteration of the vestibular system, whose function is to regulate the sense of balance and movement. In other words, it is in charge of locating the body in the environment.
This system is found in the inner ear and receives information both from sight and from different proprioceptive sensors in the body. Therefore, it is essential to know how to differentiate vertigo from dizziness.
Dizziness is a disturbance of balance, but this is not always related to a lack of control in the vestibular apparatus. Both situations are usually accompanied by feelings of instability, nausea and other symptoms.
What types of vertigo are there?
Vertigo is a complex pathology that can have different causes. In general, there are two main types of vertigo: central and peripheral. The central one is produced by an alteration in the area of the brain that is in charge of processing the information related to movement.
For its part, peripheral vertigo is caused by a problem in the inner ear or in the nerve that transports sensations from the vestibular apparatus to the brain. This type is much more frequent since almost 93% of cases are for this reason.
In the case of central vertigo, the causes are more limited. For example, it could be due to a stroke or brain tumor. Similarly, it is a frequent symptom in people with multiple sclerosis.
Peripheral vertigo
The most frequent cause of peripheral vertigo is a pathology called benign paroxysmal postural vertigo. As its name suggests, it is a pathology that is rarely serious. The problem is that it can be very annoying since it increases the risk of falls.
In this type, dizziness episodes are usually brief. Often symptoms appear when the position of the head is changed. For example, when turning in bed or tilting your head down.
Another cause is Menière’s disease, a chronic pathology of the inner ear. People who suffer from it, in addition to vertigo, usually have a progressive loss of their hearing.
What symptoms appear?
As with dizziness, vertigo is accompanied by a series of unpleasant sensations that can be very uncomfortable. For example, it is often associated with nausea and vomiting. This can lead to loss of appetite.
On the other hand, stability and perception of posture and movement are altered. This greatly increases the risk of falling and tripping when walking. The headache can be very intense and disabling.
How can vertigo be treated?
The therapeutic options against vertigo depend on what is the cause. In many cases, there is no specific treatment. Supportive measures can only be performed to calm symptoms; for example, staying idle until the episode disappears.
Also, it is recommended to take antiemetic medications to decrease nausea and vomiting. On the other hand, in benign paroxysmal postural vertigo, there is an effective treatment for most cases.
It is a technique called canalicular repositioning. It consists of mobilizing the patient’s head to reposition some particles that are part of the vestibular apparatus, called otoliths. They are the cause of this type of vertigo.
Consulting the doctor is important
The symptoms of vertigo can be confused, in the first instance, with another pathology. Therefore, given its clinical manifestations, it is best to go to the doctor to receive an adequate diagnosis. The professional, after determining its origin, will guide towards the best treatment.