What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a condition in which a person feels or senses that you, or the environment around you, are moving or spinning. This feeling may be barely noticeable, or it may be so severe that you find it difficult to keep your balance and do everyday tasks.
Attacks of vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds, or they may last much longer. If you have severe vertigo, your symptoms may be constant and last for several days, making normal life very difficult. Vertigo can happen when a person looks down from a great height, but it usually refers to any temporary or ongoing spells of dizziness that occur due to problems in the inner ear or brain. Dr. SurajGiri is an experienced in vertigo management & Treatment ENT doctor at Devgiri Memorial Hospital PCMC Pune.
What causes vertigo?
There are several different causes of vertigo. Vertigo can be defined based upon whether the cause is peripheral or central. Central causes of vertigo arise in the brain or spinal cord, while peripheral vertigo is due to a problem within the inner ear.
Causes of vertigo may include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – At this condition, tiny calcium particles (canaliths) are dislodged from their normal location and collect in the inner ear. The inner ear sends signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. It helps you keep your balance.
- Meniere’s disease – This is an inner ear disorder thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the ear.
- labyrinthitis – This is an inner ear problem usually related to infection (usually viral).
Symptoms of Vertigo / Dizziness:
Vertigo is a symptom, but it can lead to or occur alongside other symptoms, too. These may include:
- balance problems
- light-headedness
- a sense of motion sickness
- nausea and vomiting
- ringing in the ear called tinnitus
- a feeling of fullness in the ear
- headaches
- Eyes move uncontrollably, usually from side to side
Treatment for Vertigo / Dizziness
Treatment for vertigo depends on what’s causing it. Dr. SurajGiri understands the vertigo cause gives the right treatment to patients.
For some, treatment is needed and may include:
- Vestibular rehabilitation: This is a type of physical therapy aimed at helping strengthen the vestibular system. The function of the vestibular system is to send signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. Vestibular rehab may be recommended if you have recurrent bouts of vertigo. It helps train your other senses to compensate for vertigo.
- Medicine: In some cases, medication may be given to relieve symptoms such as nausea or motion sickness associated with vertigo. If vertigo is caused by an infection or inflammation, antibiotics or steroids may reduce swelling and cure the infection. For Meniere’s disease, diuretics (water pills) may be prescribed to reduce pressure from fluid build-up.
- Surgery: In a few cases, surgery may be needed for vertigo. If vertigo is caused by a more serious underlying problem, such as a tumor or injury to the brain or neck, treatment for those problems may help to alleviate vertigo.
How do I make an appointment?
The appointment process at Devgiri Memorial Hospital PCMC Pune is very simple. You can directly call on 09657002695. Also with the help of the “Book an Appointment” Form you can book your appointment by just filling in the basic information. We will contact you via email or phone call to confirm your appointment.
