Frequent headaches or dizziness will certainly interfere with many of your activities. If the dizziness you experience feels like spinning, then you may have vertigo. Severe and sudden vertigo complaints can even cause autonomic symptoms such as anxiety to fear.
Vertigo is one of the symptoms when someone experiences a perception of movement that should not be. Sufferers usually experience a spinning dizziness caused by a balance disorder. This balance disorder is caused by central (brain) and inner ear ( vestibular organ) disorders. In general, vertigo cases are caused by disorders in the inner ear or peripheral parts.
Vertigo is often accompanied by symptoms of nausea and vomiting and the sufferer's inability to maintain body balance. This causes sufferers to have difficulty standing, walking, or even falling frequently. Vertigo attacks usually only last a few hours. However, if not treated immediately, vertigo will often recur and interfere with daily activities.
There are some people who are more susceptible to vertigo, for example people who are over 50 years old, are experiencing severe stress or often take antidepressants, often consume alcohol, and people who have ear infections.
Vertigo is actually a symptom and not a disease. Therefore, how to treat vertigo varies depending on the disease that causes the vertigo symptoms. It is best for sufferers to be referred directly to a neurologist to find the cause that triggers the vertigo symptoms they are experiencing.
Diseases that cause vertigo symptoms vary, from migraines, Meniere's disease, to BPPV or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo . BPPV is one of the most common. BPPV is caused by abnormalities in the inner ear, specifically in the vestibular system.
Vertigo Symptoms Treatment
Any vertigo caused by peripheral disorders or peripheral vertigo can be cured with medication or with repositioning therapy, such as canalith repositioning therapy and vestibular training therapy.
Vestibular nerve suppressants are usually treated with histamine analogue drugs. These drugs work by directly binding to histamine receptors located in the walls of the bloodstream, including in the ear. By activating histamine receptors, the effect can increase blood circulation. These drugs help relieve pressure in the ear and can reduce nausea and dizziness.
For some patients who feel unstable and have to hold onto a wall or even use a wheelchair when experiencing vertigo, doctors will usually recommend that the patient rest completely or be hospitalized.
If you are prone to vertigo, do this when the symptoms strike:
- Be aware of the possibility of losing your body balance which could cause you to fall and suffer serious injury.
- Immediately sit in a chair with comfortable support or lie down when you feel dizzy.
- Turn on bright and comfortable lights
- Use a cane to walk if you are at high risk of falling.
For proper treatment, consult a doctor immediately to find out the cause of vertigo, the type of treatment, and exercises you can do to relieve symptoms or reduce the frequency of vertigo. Don't forget to get enough rest, often do light massages around the head area, and drink enough water to keep blood circulation smooth.
Article written by dr. Lukas Galileo Malau, Sp.BS (Neurosurgery Specialist Doctor, EMC Cikarang & Alam Sutera Hospital).