Imagine you are sitting still, but suddenly feel dizzy and as if the room around you is spinning fast, or your own body is floating spinning. Your head feels light, nausea comes, even standing feels difficult. If you have ever experienced something like this, you are most likely experiencing vertigo .
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is not just a simple headache. It is a sensation as if the surrounding environment is spinning. Vertigo occurs due to disturbances in the body's balance center, which is located in the inner ear and cerebellum.
Vertigo is a symptom , not a disease name. This means that vertigo can be caused by various disorders of the ear, central nervous system, or other factors.
Common Causes of Vertigo
Some of the most common causes of vertigo include:
- BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
This is the most common type of vertigo, usually occurring when the head position changes suddenly, such as when waking up or turning quickly. It is caused by the shifting of small calcium crystals in the inner ear. - Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
It is an infection or inflammation of the balance nerve. Symptoms can appear suddenly and are severe, often accompanied by severe nausea and hearing loss. - Meniere's disease
Occurs due to excess fluid in the inner ear. This condition usually occurs together with hearing loss and ringing. - Disorders in the Cerebellum or Brainstem
This type of vertigo can be caused by a head injury, tumor, or mild stroke, and is usually accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as weakness, difficulty speaking, or visual disturbances.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
If you experience these symptoms, it is better to consult a doctor immediately. Symptoms such as:
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Double vision
- Sudden loss of weight balance
- Vertigo lasts a long time (>24 hours) or is very severe
These symptoms could be a sign that vertigo originates from the central nervous system and requires immediate treatment.
How to Treat Vertigo?
Treatment for vertigo depends largely on the cause. Here are some general approaches:
- Positional Therapy
For BPPV, techniques such as the Epley maneuver are very effective in helping to temporarily manage vertigo. - Drugs
To reduce nausea and dizziness, your doctor may prescribe betahistine, antihistamines, or antiemetics. - Vestibular Rehabilitation
Special physiotherapy to train the brain and balance system to adapt. - Root Cause Therapy
If it is caused by infection, Meniere's disease, or stroke, then treatment will be directed at the primary condition.
Tips to Prevent Vertigo Recurrence
- Avoid sudden changes in head position.
- Get enough sleep
- Manage Stress
- Limit salt intake, especially for Meniere's sufferers.
- Check with your nearest doctor if symptoms recur.
When to See a Doctor?
Vertigo is indeed worrying, especially if it appears suddenly. However, with proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, this condition can usually be controlled well .
Don't take it lightly if you often experience vertigo. It could be a signal from your body that something needs to be checked further, especially in your nervous system or inner ear. Check with a doctor to get the right treatment before it's too late.
Balance is the key to life. Let's take care of your balance system, from your ears to your brain.
Article written by dr. Nysia Priscilla Angga Kusuma, Sp.N (Neurology Specialist Doctor, EMC Cibitung Hospital).