What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a symptom, typically caused by an inner ear problem, that is characterized by lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea and feeling off-balance. There are two main types of vertigo and can occur for a number of different reasons but is rarely permanent. Depending on the type of vertigo, people often feel like they are spinning despite standing or sitting still; they can also feel as if the world is spinning around them. There are two basic types of vertigo which can be brought on by various conditions: peripheral vertigo, and central vertigo.
What are the types of Vertigo?:
Peripheral Vertigo
This type of vertigo is caused by a problem in the inner ear, which controls balance. The tiny vestibular labyrinth or the vestibular nerve may be inflamed or affected by fluid, wax or crystals which inhibit their normal functions. Conditions that cause peripheral vertigo range from the simple physical position of the ear to the more severe and rare Meniere’s Disease. Inflammation and infection are the most common causes of peripheral vertigo. The underlying cause of vertigo is important to diagnose. In some cases, it can be rooted in a short term condition or in something more long term that can cause repeated vertigo symptoms over months or even years.
Central Vertigo
Central vertigo is caused by a problem in the brain itself, generally in the cerebellum or the brain stem. This can be brought on by injury, medication or short-term episodes like migraines or strokes. Tumors and multiple sclerosis can also cause central vertigo, as well as alcohol, aspirin and anticonvulsant drugs. Central vertigo may be more long-term than peripheral vertigo, but it goes away when the underlying cause is treated.
Diagnosis
The only way to know which type of vertigo you are suffering from is to visit the doctor. They will usually begin the examination by looking into your ears for signs of inflammation or a buildup of wax or crystals. If an inner ear infection seems to be the problem, antibiotics should clear it up and stop the symptoms of vertigo. When crystals have formed inside the fluid-filled part of the inner ear, certain exercises will help you to remove them and feel better.
If the ears aren’t the problem, your doctor will run tests to discover whether something is happening in your brain to cause central vertigo. Most conditions that cause vertigo are not serious.
Dealing with Symptoms
Whether peripheral or central vertigo, the accompanying feelings of dizziness, spinning sensation, loss of equilibrium and sometimes nausea, etc. are really frustrating. First, get a diagnosis from your doctor. For relief of vertigo symptoms caused by conditions in the inner ear, you can also find quick and soothing relief (within 3-5 minutes) using natural DiVertigo.
