Do you sometimes feel like you're suddenly dizzy , unable to stand still, and everything around you is spinning? This is not just a simple dizziness. This is a different, more uncomfortable experience. In medical terms, we call this condition Vertigo . Although many people think of this as normal dizziness, there is a big difference between the two. Let's talk about this in detail today.
What is the difference between Vertigo and normal dizziness?
Many people confuse these two. But there is a big difference between the two. To put it simply, it's like this.
Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness, floating, and difficulty standing. Sometimes it can even feel like you're about to pass out.
Vertigo is the sensation that you or the world around you is spinning rapidly, like when you get up from a spinning toy chair.
See the table below to further explain this difference .
| Characteristic | Vertigo | General dizziness |
|---|---|---|
| Feeling | Feeling like you or your surroundings are spinning. | Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, and floating. |
| Main reasons | Often a problem with the balance-related parts of the inner ear or the brain. | Low blood pressure, certain medications, vision impairment, mental stress. |
What are the main causes of Vertigo?
Vertigo is not a disease, but a symptom. It is caused by an underlying condition. It mainly affects the functioning of the inner ear and brain, which control our body's balance.
1. Inner ear problems (Peripheral Vertigo)
This is the most commonly seen type.
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo): This is the most common cause of vertigo. We have tiny calcium crystals (canaliths) in our inner ear that help with balance. When these become dislodged and move to another part of the ear, certain head movements (for example, turning over in bed, looking up) can cause severe dizziness. This can last from a few seconds to a minute.
- Meniere's Disease: This is a condition caused by changes in fluid pressure in the inner ear. Along with vertigo, it can also cause symptoms such as ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss.
- Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: This is an inflammation of the nerves that control balance in the inner ear, usually caused by a viral infection (e.g., a cold). This can cause sudden, severe dizziness that can last for several days.
2. Brain-related problems (Central Vertigo)
This is a bit rare, but can be more serious.
- Stroke
- Brain tumor
- Neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis
- Some types of migraines
- Head or neck injuries
In addition, severe stress , dehydration (lack of water in the body), certain medications, and ear surgery can also cause vertigo.
What other symptoms can be seen with Vertigo?
In addition to feeling like the world is spinning, several other symptoms can accompany vertigo.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of body balance, difficulty walking
- Sweating
- Rapid eye movement (Nystagmus)
- Headache
- Hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear
How do you find this, Doctor?
If you have vertigo, you should definitely see a doctor . Usually, an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT specialist) will perform further tests for this.
The doctor will listen carefully to you about your symptoms. Then, they will examine your ears and check your eye movements. If necessary, they may refer you to tests such as these to find the exact cause:
- Hearing tests: Check for problems with the nerves in the ear.
- Special balance tests: Tests that check for dizziness by turning the head in different positions.
- MRI or CT scan: If there is a suspicion of a brain problem.
What are the treatments for Vertigo?
The best thing is that once the cause of vertigo is found, there are effective treatments for it.
1. Canalith Repositioning Procedures (Epley Maneuver): This is a very simple and effective treatment for BPPV. The doctor will slowly rotate your head and body in a specific pattern, repositioning the calcium deposits that have dislodged from the ear canal. This often provides immediate relief.
2. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): This is a type of physiotherapy that focuses on balance. If you have persistent vertigo, it can help you retrain your brain to adjust to the inner ear problem and maintain balance.
3. Medication: Your doctor will prescribe medication to control symptoms like nausea and vomiting, and to treat any infection that may be causing the dizziness. Never take medication for dizziness without a doctor's advice.
4. Surgery: Surgery is rarely performed unless there is a serious cause, such as a brain tumor.
Things you can do at home to get relief
- Sit or lie down as soon as you feel dizzy. Reduce the risk of falling.
- Do things like shaking your head suddenly, getting up, or getting out of bed slowly .
- Drink plenty of water . Dehydration can make the condition worse.
- Limit caffeine, alcohol, high-salt foods, and smoking . These can worsen symptoms.
- When dizziness is severe, rest in a dark, quiet room .
If you have these symptoms, go to the hospital immediately!
Although vertigo is usually not serious, sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a stroke. If you experience any of the symptoms below along with vertigo, go to the nearest Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Sudden severe headache
- Difficulty speaking or stuttering
- Double vision or changes in vision
- Numbness or weakness in an arm or leg
- Inability to walk
- Vomiting that doesn't stop
- Chest pain
- Loss of consciousness
Take-Home Message
- Vertigo is a sensation that feels like you or the world around you is spinning. This is different from normal dizziness.
- The most common cause is a problem with the parts of the inner ear that control balance (specifically BPPV).
- Although this condition is distressing, there are simple, effective treatments, such as the Epley maneuver.
- If you have symptoms of vertigo, be sure to see a doctor to determine the exact cause.
- If you experience warning signs such as severe headache, difficulty speaking, or numbness in your limbs, seek medical advice immediately.
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