What is Vertigo?

Vertigo, which means dizziness usually accompanied with nausea, is a multi-factorial symptom which can occur with various ear disorders. There are many causes, and there are several conditions in which this symptom is prominent. Only a few of the more probable ones are discussed.

Vertigo, which means dizziness usually accompanied with nausea, is a multi-factorial symptom which can occur with various ear disorders.

Normal equilibrium depends on the inter-relationship of sensations coming from many different organs: from the eyes, muscles, tendons, skin receptors and also from the balance mechanism of the labyrinths of the ear. If these signals are at variance with one another (as interpreted by the higher centers of the brain), and there is a consequent interference with co-ordination, then vertigo may result.

There are many causes, and there are several conditions in which this symptom is prominent. Only a few of the more probable ones are discussed.

Meniere’s Disease

This has already been considered, and is probably the most dramatic disorder involving balance problems.

Benign Postural Vertigo

This can take place when the head is in a particular position. There is usually no obvious cause, or conversely it may follow on from some form of head injury.

Symptoms often abate with or without treatment within 3-6 months.

Therapy is similar as for Meniere’s.

Drug toxicity

Some medicinal preparations are well known for there ability to destroy or interfere with vestibular functions. Streptomycin, medications use for epilepsy, mental depression and hypertension come into this category. The symptoms may not be clear cut. If possible altering medication may bring relief.

Epidemic Vertigo

This strange disorder may occur in young people who have a simple viral infection. Often many persons with a similar infection about the same time will report sensations of vertigo and vomiting. The cause is unknown, but is probably a toxic effect from the invading germ on the vestibular mechanism. Prochlorperazine may assist, although the condition is probably self-limiting.

Psychogenic Vertigo

Some neurotic patients will describe their vertigo symptoms in striking terms. The level authenticity is hard to determine, as it is more likely to be one symptom in a maze of others.

Ischemia Vertigo

Some patients suffer from vertigo as part of definite pathological vascular deficiency of the blood supply to the brain. It is referring to as “vertebro-basilar Ischemia” and is nearly one symptom in a series of others. It is most trouble some when suddenly altering position, for example, forms a lying to a sitting position; from a sitting to a standing one. It is more probable in the aging person, and treatment is usually unsatisfactory, for it represents a wide-spread basic cardio-vascular disability which is most likely incurable.

Whiplash Vertigo

This sometimes occurs in patients who have sustained a so-called “Whiplash” (sudden flexion-extension of the neck muscles) during a vehicular accident. Dizziness, neck pain and headaches may occur concurrently. The situation and symptoms are often difficulty to interpret, because if there are legal implications (and the chance of monetary awards), there is often psychogenic overlay.

By: M. Jawad Akbar