Vertigo is the sensation that the environment around you, or you, is spinning or moving. Dizziness which creates the false sense that your surroundings or you are moving or spinning is called vertigo.
A vertigo attack can last from seconds to hours. But, if you have severe vertigo, the symptom can last for days or even months.
According to statistics, about 40% of all people over the age of 40 will experience vertigo at least once during their lifetimes.
Note – vertigo is occasionally referred to as a ”’fear of heights,” but this is incorrect. The correct term for the fear of heights is acrophobia.
Causes
Common causes of vertigo may include:
Cholesteatoma
This is a skin growth which occurs in the middle ear, generally as a result of repeated infection.
Note – if the growth becomes larger, it can lead to dizziness and hearing loss.
Meniere’s Disease
It can cause episodes of vertigo along with hearing loss and ringing in the ears. The cause of Meniere’s disease is not completely understood by scientists, however, it is believed to be due to head injury, viral infections of the inner ear, allergies, or hereditary factors.
Vestibular Neuronitis
It is an infection of the vestibular nerve in the inner ear, that runs into the inner ear and sends messages to the brain.
Perilymphatic Fistula
It is an abnormal opening between the middle ear and the inner ear that allows fluid to leak into the middle ear.
Labyrinthitis
It is an inner ear infection that affects your balance and hearing. Labyrinthitis may be caused by swelling of the nerve in the brain which is responsible for hearing and balance.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
It occurs when tiny calcium particles clump up in canals of the inner ear. This condition usually results in short episodes of vertigo which come on suddenly.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing vertigo include:
- anything which may increase your risk of stroke, like – smoking tobacco, diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure;
- medications, including blood pressure medications, some antiseizure medications, or antidepressants;
- alcohol intake;
- head injuries.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- light-headedness;
- difficulty walking;
- vomiting;
- a decreased level of consciousness;
- headache;
- difficulty speaking;
- difficulty hearing;
- weakness;
- nausea;
- visual disturbances;
- ringing or other sounds in the ears;
- abnormal eye movements;
- loss of coordination (ataxia);
- staggering gait;
- finding it difficult to see clearly when moving;
- unusual eye movements, like – flitting of the eyes;
- feeling faint;
- finding it difficult to walk in a straight line;
- a sensation of movement (including spinning);
- a sensation of disorientation or motion.
Prevention
Nutrition
It the cause of your vertigo is inflammation, like – labyrinthitis, it may help to consume anti-inflammatory foods, such as:
- oranges;
- bananas;
- tomatoes;
- radishes;
- blueberries;
- turnips;
- strawberries;
- celery;
- walnuts;
- almonds;
- carrots;
- collards;
- kale;
- mangoes;
- spinach;
- papayas;
- red cabbage.
Water
Sometimes vertigo is caused by simple dehydration. One of the best methods to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water.
Exercise
Do exercises that trigger your vertigo, so your brain gets used to it and reduces the symptoms.
Other prevention methods include:
- move your head slowly during daily activities;
- avoid extending your neck, especially while reaching up to a high shelf;
- avoid bending down to pick up items;
- do not drink alcohol or smoke tobacco;
- get up slowly when getting out of bed;
- sleep with your head slightly raised.
Spiritual Meaning Of Vertigo And Dizziness
You’re spinning in a vicious circle due to a lack of organization.
Other causes may include:
- the absence of a clear direction in life;
- the ego’s desire to control the whole being;
- the inability to accept reality as it is;
- not making time for yourself;
- the feeling that you no longer want to fight;
- the feeling of burden.
Sources https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/10/171005102636.htm https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4099171/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1316083/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/vertigo