What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that causes a spinning sensation, which can make it difficult to remain balanced, or even to stand or walk. It is usually caused by a problem with the inner ear and can be triggered by certain movements, such as rolling over in bed or looking up at the sky. It is most commonly seen in people over the age of 40 and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and ringing in the ears. Vertigo can be a sign of a more serious medical condition, such as a stroke or a tumor, and should never be ignored.
What Causes Vertigo?
The most common cause of vertigo is an inner ear disorder called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This is caused by tiny crystals of calcium carbonate that become dislodged from their normal position in the inner ear and float around in the fluid-filled canals. When these crystals move, they cause the inner ear to send false signals to the brain, which results in the spinning sensation. Other causes of vertigo include Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, stroke, and head injury.
What Can You Do If Vertigo Won’t Go Away?
If you are experiencing vertigo and it won’t go away, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor can perform a series of tests to determine the cause of your vertigo and recommend a treatment plan. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, or, in some cases, surgery.
Medications
Your doctor may recommend medications to help alleviate the symptoms of vertigo. These may include anti-nausea medications, anti-anxiety medications, or medications that reduce the inflammation in the inner ear. It is important to take these medications as prescribed by your doctor as they can have serious side effects if taken in excess.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help reduce vertigo symptoms by helping to improve balance and coordination. Your physical therapist may recommend exercises that help to strengthen the inner ear muscles and improve balance. These exercises can be done at home and may include neck stretches, balance exercises, and ear canal exercises.
Surgery
In some cases, surgery may be recommended to treat the underlying cause of vertigo. This may include a procedure to remove crystals of calcium carbonate from the inner ear or to repair a damaged nerve in the inner ear. Surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments have not been successful.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your vertigo won’t go away after trying the above treatments, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may be able to recommend other treatments or may refer you to a specialist. It is also important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any other symptoms, such as ringing in the ears, hearing loss, double vision, or nausea and vomiting. These can be signs of a more serious medical condition and should not be ignored.
Conclusion
Vertigo can be a frightening experience, but it is important to seek medical attention if it won’t go away. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your vertigo and recommend the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, or surgery. It is important to follow your doctor’s advice and to seek medical attention if your symptoms worsen or if you experience any other unusual symptoms.