Although vertigo is often mistaken for vertigo, despite being something more, the difference is very clear. While vertigo is an ambiguous term, interpreted as a feeling of imbalance in one’s own space, vertigo is a heightened sensation that the world is spinning, even when there is no movement.

In some cases, dizziness can be hereditary, in others the cause remains unknown, but in many cases it is associated with certain diseases or is a side effect of drug treatment. There are two categories of dizziness: peripheral and central. Peripheral vertigo is the most common and results from a problem with the inner ear or the vestibular nerve, which controls balance.

This category includes benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (caused by specific head movements), labyrinthitis (inner ear infection caused by a cold or flu virus), vestibular neuritis (inflammation of the vestibular nerve) or Ménière’s syndrome (a rare ear condition) of the inner, sometimes accompanied by tinnitus or hearing loss).

Although benign paroxysmal positional vertigo can cause concern, it is rarely serious unless it increases the risk of falling and injury to the affected person.

As for the other type, central vertigo, it results from a problem in the brain and can be caused by a variety of conditions, including migraine, stroke, brain tumor, brain injury, infection, or multiple sclerosis.

How long does dizziness last?

Like the duration of the manifestation, dizziness differs depending on what caused it. In benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, for example, the spinning sensation is short-lived (usually lasting less than a minute), but intense. Such an episode is caused by a sudden change in head movement, for example, a blow to the head. In the case of a viral infection of the vestibular nerve (labyrinthitis), the dizziness is intense and constant, the dizziness caused by a migraine can last from a few minutes to several hours, and in Ménière’s syndrome, the episodes of dizziness come on suddenly and last for several hours.

Dizziness caused by a migraine can last from a few minutes to several hours. According to Smartliving, which quotes Dr. Adina Rocanu, president of the Headache Society and chief neurologist specializing in migraine at the Bucharest University Emergency Hospital, “migraine is a complex neurological condition that affects between 12% and 15% of the population worldwide, being the second reason for years lived with disability.”

If dizziness is caused by certain medications, it may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (ringing in the ears). Other symptoms that may accompany a vertigo episode, regardless of the cause, include excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, involuntary eye movements (nystagmus), and loss of balance.

How to make a diagnosis

Most of the information that leads to the diagnosis of vertigo is obtained from the patient himself, based on the symptoms he complains of and his medical history, supplemented by a clinical examination. The patient will also be given the Dix-Hallpike test, which is a maneuver to induce vertigo. In some cases, an additional examination is also necessary, namely a test of hearing, balance or even an imaging study (MRI, CT).

Treatment of vertigo

Treatment options for vertigo may depend on the underlying cause. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, as well as some medications, are effective for symptom relief.

– To rehabilitate the eve and improve the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the Epley maneuver is practiced, which moves otoliths, small calcium particles that float in the affected semicircular canal from the level of the inner ear. This maneuver is performed by an ENT doctor, takes an average of 10-15 minutes and has a high success rate (about 90%). Each treatment session involves holding four positions for 30-60 seconds each and repeating each position as many times as needed. Your doctor can provide instructions on how this procedure can also be done at home.

– Medical treatment for dizziness may include taking certain antihistamines (a class of drugs used to treat allergies) that have been shown to be effective in cases of dizziness and seasickness.

– In addition to the Epley maneuver, other exercises can be performed to relieve symptoms of vertigo, exercises that usually involve walking in place or maintaining certain positions to improve balance. Exercises are tailored to the patient’s symptoms and can be aimed at either balance training or gaze stabilization, which improves eye movement control so that vision is clear during head movement.

It should be emphasized that if dizziness is severe, it is not recommended to perform exercises without special supervision, it is better to consult an experienced physiotherapist.

– If the cause of vertigo is not the position of the head, but a head injury or a brain tumor, surgery may be required.

Tips for those experiencing episodes of vertigo

Feeling dizzy is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous. Here’s what you can do to ease your symptoms and reduce their frequency.

– Sit still in a quiet, dark room to reduce the sensation of spinning;

– Move your head slowly, carefully, during everyday activities;

– If you feel dizzy, sit down immediately;

– turn on the light if you wake up at night, do not walk around the house in the dark;

– Use a cane if you are in danger of falling;

– sleep with the head slightly raised, on a higher pillow;

– Slowly get up from the bed and sit on its edge for a while before getting up from it;

– Try to relax, because excitement can make dizziness worse.

– DO NOT bend down to pick things up, choose lying down, and don’t crane your neck to reach a high shelf!

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