Vertigo

Vertigo questions and answers

Learn About Symptoms and Treatments for Vertigo And Dizziness.

Q: Vertigo???
I suffer from vertigo. I know what comes with vertigo dizzy spells feeling sick etc. but sometimes I am dizzy for 2 days but I don't feel like it's vertigo. I do not have high blood pressure, does any body know what this might be?

A: Vertigo (from the Latin vertere, to turn, and the suffix -igo, a condition, i.e., "a condition of turning about"[1]) is a specific type of dizziness, a major symptom of a balance disorder. It is the sensation of spinning or swaying while the body is stationary with respect to the earth or surroundings. There are two types of vertigo: subjective and objective. There is a subjective vertigo when a person has a false sensation of movement. In the case of objective vertigo, the surroundings appear to move past a person's field of vision. The effects of vertigo may be slight. It can cause nausea and vomiting and, in severe cases, it may give rise to difficulties with standing and walking. Contents [hide] 1 Causes 2 Neurochemistry 3 Diagnostic testing 4 Treatment 5 References 6 External links [edit] Causes Vertigo is usually associated with a problem in the inner ear balance mechanisms (vestibular system), in the brain, or with the nerve connections between these two organs. The most common cause of vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. Vertigo can be a symptom of an inner ear infection. Vertigo can be a symptom of an underlying harmless cause, such as in BPPV or it can suggest more serious problems. These include drug toxicities (specifically gentamicin), strokes or tumors (though these are much less common than BPPV), and syphilis. Vertigo can also be brought on suddenly through various actions or incidents, such as skull fractures or brain trauma, sudden changes of blood pressure, or as a symptom of motion sickness while sailing, riding amusement rides, airplanes or in a motor vehicle. Vertigo can also be caused by Carbon Monoxide poisoning. It is also one of the more common symptoms of superior canal dehiscence syndrome and Meniere's disease. Vertigo-like symptoms may also appear as paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS) in the form of opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome, a multi-faceted neurological disorder associated with many forms of incipient cancer lesions or virus. If conventional therapies fail, consult with a neuro-oncologist. Vertigo is typically classified into one of two categories depending on the location of the damaged vestibular pathway. These are peripheral or central vertigo. Each category has a distinct set of characteristics and associated findings. Vertigo can also occur after long flights or boat journeys where the mind gets used to turbulence, resulting in a person feeling as if they are moving up and down. This usually subsides after a few days. [edit] Neurochemistry The neurochemistry of vertigo includes 6 primary neurotransmitters that have been identified between the 3-neuron arc that drives the vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR). Many others play more minor roles. Three neurotransmitters that work peripherally and centrally include glutamate, acetylcholine, and GABA. Glutamate maintains the resting discharge of the central vestibular neurons, and may modulate synaptic transmission in all 3 neurons of the VOR arc. Acetylcholine appears to function as an excitatory neurotransmitter in both the peripheral and central synapses. GABA is thought to be inhibitory for the commissures of the medial vestibular nucleus, the connections between the cerebellar Purkinje cells and the lateral vestibular nucleus, and the vertical VOR. Three other neurotransmitters work centrally. Dopamine may accelerate vestibular compensation. Norepinephrine modulates the intensity of central reactions to vestibular stimulation and facilitates compensation. Histamine is present only centrally, but its role is unclear. It is known that centrally acting antihistamines modulate the symptoms of motion sickness. The neurochemistry of emesis overlaps with the neurochemistry of motion sickness and vertigo. Acetylcholinc, histamine, and dopamine are excitatory neurotransmitters, working centrally on the control of emesis. GABA inhibits central emesis reflexes. Serotonin is involved in central and peripheral control of emesis but has little influence on vertigo and motion sickness. [edit] Diagnostic testing Tests of vestibular system (balance) function include electronystagmography (ENG), rotation tests, Caloric reflex test,[2] and Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP). Tests of auditory system (hearing) function include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, acoustic-reflex, electrocochleography (ECoG), otoacoustic emissions (OAE), and auditory brainstem response test (ABR; also known as BER, BSER, or BAER). Other diagnostic tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized axial tomography (CAT or CT). [edit] Treatment Treatment is specific for underlying disorder of vertigo. vestibular rehabilitation anticholinergics antihistamines benzodiazepines calcium channel antagonists, specifically Verapamil and Nimodipine. GABA modulators, specifically gabapentin and baclofen. neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitors such as SSRI's, SNRI's and tricyclics. benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a special kind of vertigo, is treated with the Epley maneuver (performed by a doctor or with a BPPV maneuver at home). Vertigo can easily be treated. There are tablets available under prescription after seeing your local doctor or specialist. These tablets can treat the vertigo into going away within a couple of months. Vertigo can also stay with a person for life.

Q: vertigo??????????
Anyone knows anything about vertigo, like what causes, treatment? Help please. i have hearing loss in one ear and also tinnitus in the same ear had a baby 3 1/2 months ago i know i posted here it's just that i always have good help from all of you ladies.

A: Hope this helps you out.

Q: Is Vertigo ever a chronic condition? How is treated by meds and by natural alternatives? Is it a?
If I write a book it will be Used to Think I had ADD/Bipolar. I think I have had D’- Harder I Try D’ Worser It gets Syndrome. An Audiologist Associate had the rare integrity and acumen to suggest to me I had vertigo, suggesting that is why I had wide range fluctuations in visual acuity, hearing, and equilibrium. I have done so miraculously better since the old diagnosis has been shed like a ragged garment and the new one tried on for fit. Vision, hearing and equilibrium still vary with fluctuating levels of fatigue, but have each shifted from worsening trend to resolving trend—even with increases in external levels of circumstantial stress stimuli. The dismal side of my clinical history started in 1994 with concurrent, yet mutually contricated prescriptions by physicians of Prozac and Cylert, the latter being Ritalin’s “other brand”; running through such things as Wellbutrin and Depacote; eventually working up to the Hard Stuff, Lithium Carbonate.

A: Go for it! misdiagnosis can be a huge problem (see anti-psychiatry movement for good review) and I can't see why further knowledge and insight won't help. Perhaps suggest to the audiologist to publish some work in the field too!! Good luck!!

Q: What is the difference between Labrynthitus and Vertigo?
I had something which affected my balance to the point that i couldn't stand or walk, i had rolling vision and was violently sick for hours, and was hospitalised for 4 days and given an MRI scan to rule out other causes. Now, months later my vision is still not right! The Dr's said what i had was viral Labrynthitus, but others have said it is the same thing as Vertigo? I thought Vertigo was feeling dizzy with heights? So what is the difference between Labrynthitus and Vertigo?

A: Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear. Located deep inside the inner ear, the labyrinth is made up of 3 semicircular canals that help control your balance. Inflammation of these canals, or labyrinthitis, can occur as a result of a viral or, more rarely, a bacterial infection. Labyrinthitis may cause vertigo—a sensation of spinning or whirling—that may be severe enough to cause nausea or vomiting. The vertigo gradually goes away over a period of several days to weeks. However, for a month or longer, a sudden head movement can trigger another attack of vertigo. Labyrinthitis may be accompanied by hearing loss, which is usually temporary. Bacterial labyrinthitis may develop after a middle ear infection (otitis media) or an infection of the lining of the brain (meningitis) and is a more serious condition ♥♥VERTIGO IS: When you're dizzy, you may feel lightheaded or lose your balance. If you feel that the room is spinning, you have vertigo. Wikipedia is not a realiable source.

Q: Is suffering from vertigo a serious affliction for a President of the United States?
Vertigo is a symptom which means there is a bigger problem and McCain sufferers from this affliction.

A: Vertigo is not a symptom.... it's a diagnosis. Not nearly as concerning as arteriosclerosis. Guess which president had that.... Or polio.... Or any other disease. Maybe, since you don't understand the difference between a symptom and a disease... you should not bother worrying about it.

Q: How long does vertigo last, and what are the common symptoms?
What does vertigo affect and what does it make you feel like? How does it last?

A: Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness, a major symptom of a balance disorder. It is the sensation of spinning or swaying while the body is actually stationary with respect to the surroundings. The effects of vertigo may be slight. It can cause nausea and vomiting and, in severe cases, it may give rise to difficulties with standing and walking. Vertigo is usually associated with a problem in the inner ear balance mechanisms (vestibular system), in the syndrome and Meniere's disease. In most cases vertigo does not cause long term effect, but there have been cases of oversedation at the patients room. (sleepnea) Discontinuation of antidepressant medication, also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor discontinuation syndrome can result in a wide variety of withdrawal symptoms. Vertigo is a frequently found symptom, along with brain shivers, insomnia, nausea, confusion, imbalance, sweating, and many more as withdrawal symptoms are different for each individual. Transient vertigo can be caused by inflammation of the inner ear due to the common cold, influenza, and bacterial infections. Vertigo can also occur after long flights or boat journeys where the mind gets used to turbulence, resulting in a person's feeling as if he or she is moving up and down. This usually subsides after a few days. Another source of vertigo is through exposure to high levels of sound pressure, rattling the inner ear and causing a loss of balance. Consumption of alcohol can also cause vertigo. Rarely, vertigo-like symptoms may appear as paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS) in the form of opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome, an extremely rare multi-faceted neurological disorder associated with many forms of incipient cancer lesions or viruses. http://www.vertigocure.org/

Q: What is the possible cause of vertigo upon waking?
My father is complaining of vertigo when he wakes in the morning. He is in his late 40's and has no other symptoms. He says he's been to a doctor to see if it was an inner ear condition and the doctor said it was not. The vertigo doesn't change when he changes position and is present off and on throughout the day and is accompanied by shaking in this hands. Does anyone know what the cause might be? I'm trying to get him to see another doctor. Any help would be great.

A: My father has vertigo - he's been dealing with it for over 10 years now. Mornings are the worst for him. He sleeps with a glass of water beside his bed and makes sure to sit up very very slowly in the morning and takes a sip of water at the side of his bed. He waits for about 5 minutes before standing. Also, he takes a motion sickness pill before bed at night. He'll even take a pill during the day if he's feeling bad - he says it really works well. Something else to consider - my dad also sleeps with a type of breathing machine. I don't remember what it's called. It's for sleep apnea. He says he actually feels better in the morning when he uses the machine. He went in last night actually, to be tested again to have the oxygen levels re-adjusted. Good luck to you and your dad. From what my dad says, it's pretty miserable. He's gotten knocked down out of work for a day or two from it. But I don't believe it's in your head - it's real!

Q: What would cause severe vertigo from a hot shower? Any way to decrease severity, other than take cold showers?
Hot bath or shower is the only time I experience vertigo.

A: Too hot of a shower/bath and/or for too long can cause a spike in blood pressure. Because of this, anyone that is particularly vulnerable for any reason can experience nausea, dizziness, fainting, etc. This is why some people become ill or die as a result of being in saunas, hot tubs, sweat lodges, etc. Take "tepid," lukewarm showers/baths instead.

Q: What is the difference between labyrintitus and vertigo?
my mom has been dizzy, and sick, nauseous and cant eat for a day, her doctor said it may be labyrintitus or vertigo. what is labyrintitus and vertigo and what are they're differences?

A: Labyrinthitis is a disorder, not a symptom. It's the inflammation of the labyrinthine canals of the inner ear and results in vertigo. Vertigo is a symptom, not a disorder. It's a sensation of instability, giddiness, a loss of equilibrium or rotation that's caused by a disturbance in the semicircular canal of the inner ear or in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. There are 2 kinds of vertigo: subjective - the sensation that one's body is spinning and objective - the sensation that objects are spinning around one's body. The other difference is that labyrinthitis causes vertigo but vertigo can be caused by conditions other than labyrinthitis. Her doctor isn't certain what's causing the vertigo and unfortunately worded it poorly.

Q: What kind of illness causes vertigo, leg pain, loss of concentration, ect?
I am 24 and for the last 5 months I have been experiencing occasional episodes where I get extreme vertigo, my head feels like it is being queezed. I can't concentrate and it is even harder to think of the words I want to say. I also experience episodes when for no reason at all both of my legs will start to hurt very bad, this can last for hours. Any ideas? My doctor already ruled out depression or migrains.

A: I would suggest that you visit a doctor as well just to rule out any more serious issue. But here is some information about Vertigo. There is a list of exercises that you might want to try as well at the site that I got this information from. Hope you feel better! The treatment of vertigo will differ based on what is causing the symptoms. Some cases of vertigo develop when a person has an ear infection. Other times it may begin to occur after a person begins to take a certain medication. Some individuals are stricken with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Each of these causes different vertigo treatments. If a person develops dizziness when they have an ear infection, antibiotics may be able to clean it up and the vertigo should subside. If the ear infections become chronic, surgery may be necessary. The proper treatment of vertigo for persons who develop symptoms after taking medication would be to speak with their doctor about either decreasing the dosage and/or change medications completely if the condition is bad enough. For persons with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, Canalith Re-positioning procedure may be the best treatment. This involves a series of body and head movements that move the calcium crystals out of the paroxysmal canal and into a part of the body where it can be re-absorbed.

Q: Do you think its anything to worry about if you start having vertigo and headaches?
Headaches at back of head and neck (stress headache?) and attacks of vertigo before bed at night. Or is this just nothing to worry about?

A: This is definitely a concern, I had similar symptoms a few years ago due to stress and it turns out to be genetic- inner ear imbalance which causes frequent vertigo, add that to high blood pressure (headaches at back of head and neck) and you have a killer combination. My endocrinologist gave me mild medication to manage it. Seems to be working.

Q: What happens if you don't treat an ear infection with antibiotics? Possibly fatigue, vertigo and nausea?
Would the body be exhausted trying to fight of the infection from its own strength, when it actually needs the help of antibiotics? And as ears and balance are related, could this result in vertigo, hence nausea?

A: If you have middle ear infection (aka otitis media) and it not treated with antibiotics there could be some really nasty complications. There is a possibility of developing meningitis and brain abscess. Another nasty complication of untreated otitis media is mastoiditis. The prominent bone at the back of the ear, it contains air cells which communicates with the middle ear. Infection here may cause facial paralysis, meningitis, brain abscess or thrombosis of the adjacent venous sinuses. You will certainly have severe hearing loss or even permanent deafness. The inner ear which contains the cochlea, a coiled fluid filled structure which control balance is also nearby and can get involved in a severe case of otitis media and may lead to vomiting, vertigo etc. But those will be the least of your worries if you have meningitis, brain abscess or thrombosis of the venous sinuses. So if yourself or somebody you know has otitis media, better see the doctor as quickly as possible.

Q: What is good to relieve migranes and vertigo, I have both?
I was in a car accident last year and after the air bag hit me in the face, I was diagnosed months later with vertigo and migraines. The doctors are not totally sure. I have been an experiment for them. I have had weight loss, chills, dizziness, lost of balance, headaches, nausea, and dryheave. My medical tests have been good. The only thing they could come up with was that I had vertigo, migraines and possible low blood pressure.

A: try tylenol migraine, it is in a white bottle with a brown label, you might also try drinamine. my sister takes that. for the vertigo......... have they check your neck and spine to see if you have a pinched nerve. or busted ear drum. good luck. Hope this helps...

Q: What kinds of activities may trigger or worsen my positional vertigo symptoms?
What kinds of activities may trigger or worsen my positional vertigo symptoms? Is there anything I should do or avoid doing to help reduce the severity and frequency of symptoms? Particularly can watching a movie (in theatre) or playing 3rd person action games (such as PlayStation 3-Call of Duty) bring on the symptoms? (Which last for days, not only while engaged in the activity).

A: anything high stress would certainly trigger it, as for the movies and games it is possible certain noise and sound combinations may also trigger it but i highly doubt it, as for the symptoms lasting for days, i would seriously get a doctor's oppinion on that most people have a small ammount of time with the faintness, but it disappears with-in minutes also this is probably in the wrong section

Q: How to Change Your Diet to Cope With Vertigo?
I suffer from vertigo. I've had ear problems ever since I as born. Is there anything I can do nutritionally to help with my vertigo? I tend to get it most when I eat things high in sugar. I eat a lot of wholegrain breads. I also tend to have a problem when I eat anything with a lot of sodium in it. I also suffer from high blood pressure. Any tips/ideas?

A: If Vertigo is a correct diagnosis, then reducing sodium and caffeine may help. Vertigo is caused from tiny particles of calcium in your inner ear that shift when you move your head. There are exercises for vertigo, basically, they are exercises designed for you to get used to the sensation, they do not cure the situation. It is also possible that you have Meniere's Syndrome. I have been diagnosed with both Vertigo and Meniere's. Meniere's is very tied to excess sugar, sodium and caffeine. Vertigo and Meniere's are very similar in the symptoms they cause. Personally, my situation was tied to sugar. Years ago, I had a very bad episode for four days, I cut way back on sugar, and have not had an episode since.