Vertigo

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that creates a sensation of spinning, tilting, or movement, even when you are stationary. This can make it difficult to maintain balance and may interfere with daily activities.

Common triggers for vertigo include sudden movements, such as turning your head, standing up too quickly, or looking up. Although vertigo can feel unsettling, it does not always indicate a serious medical condition.

Recognizing Vertigo Symptoms

People with vertigo may experience:

  • A spinning or swaying sensation.
  • The feeling that the world is moving or tilting around them.
  • Episodes of imbalance or unsteadiness.

These episodes, often referred to as “attacks,” may last a few seconds or extend for several hours. Additional symptoms may include:

  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Sweating or paleness.
  • Difficulty maintaining balance.

Severe episodes of vertigo can make it challenging to perform everyday activities safely, such as walking, driving, or exercising. Some cases require medical attention, and a few will require hospitalisation. If in doubt contact or Medical or Health Practitioner or call 000 for a medical emergency.

Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo often originates from issues in the inner ear, which helps control balance. Common causes include:

Inner Ear Conditions

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
    Caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear shifting out of place, disrupting the brain’s ability to interpret balance signals.
  • Meniere’s Disease:
    Linked to fluid buildup in the inner ear, often accompanied by ringing in the ears and hearing loss.
  • Vestibular Neuronitis or Labyrinthitis:
    Infections or inflammation affecting the balance nerve or inner ear structures.

Other Causes

  • Migraines.
  • Head injuries.
  • Side effects of certain medications.
  • Rare neurological issues, such as strokes or brain tumors.

Diagnostic Approach

A thorough diagnosis is crucial for identifying the cause of vertigo and determining the most appropriate treatment. At our clinics, we use advanced tools and techniques to provide comprehensive assessments, which may include:

  • Evaluating Symptoms: Careful analysis of your symptoms, including identifying specific triggers, patterns, and the severity of episodes.
  • Medical History Review: Understanding any pre-existing health conditions, past injuries, or medications that might contribute to your symptoms.
  • Physical Examinations: Some examinations can include testing your hearing, balance, and coordination through clinical assessments, including the Vestibular-Ocular Motor examination.

Specialized googles with integrated infrared cameras are used to help assess and further insight towards diagnosis and appropriate treatment. These advanced goggles allow us to observe and record eye movements (e.g., nystagmus) to assist and identify conditions related to that nystagmus. This technology enhances our ability to pinpoint specific causes of vertigo with greater accuracy.

In some cases, further diagnostics such as imaging scans, Audio-Vestibular testing, or blood tests may be recommended to rule out underlying conditions that could include strokes, infections, or other neurological or inner ear pathologies.

This comprehensive approach ensures we gather the necessary information to guide your treatment plan effectively.

Treatment Options

Treatment for vertigo depends on its underlying cause. The focus is on managing symptoms, improving balance, and addressing contributing factors. But some common treatments are below, but these should only be conducted after appropriate assessment and diagnosis is achieved by your treating Medical Practitioner, Specialist ENT, Neurologist, or Vestibular Physiotherapist, or other Health Practitioner with the appropriate training and skills.

Clinical Interventions

  • Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (e.g., Epley Maneuver):
    Performed by healthcare professionals, these non-invasive techniques help reposition inner-ear crystals in cases of BPPV.
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy:
    Exercises guided by physiotherapists to improve balance and reduce sensitivity to movement.
  • Medications:
    Prescribed for short-term management of nausea or severe dizziness.

Specialized Care for Complex Cases

In certain situations, more advanced interventions may be necessary. These could include further testing, referrals to Specialists, or procedures tailored to the specific diagnosis.

Surgery is rarely needed and is typically reserved for specific inner ear conditions that do not respond to other treatments.

Why Choose Our Clinics?

Our clinics are dedicated to assessing and treating dizziness and vertigo with a clinical, evidence-based approach where possible. We prioritize understanding the root cause of symptoms and applying targeted treatments to help individuals regain stability and control over their daily lives.

If vertigo is interfering with your ability to function or causing significant discomfort, an evaluation may help identify effective ways to address your condition.

When to Seek Evaluation

If you are experiencing persistent or worsening vertigo, or if symptoms are accompanied by severe headaches, changes in vision, or difficulty speaking, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and call 000.