Vertigo
Vestibular imbalance, an imbalance in the inner part of the ear is a major cause of vertigo. There are health conditions that contribute as well certain factors that can result in vestibular imbalance.
- Anemia and migraine can trigger vertigo.
- Signals possibility of stroke, brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, seizures or a bleed in the brain. Neck ailments like severe spondylosis.
- Cardiovascular disorders like low blood pressure, heart rhythms and valve diseases.
- Arthritic pains can contribute to aggravating vertigo.
- Inflammation or infection of the inner ear that aid with balance and sense movement.
- Viral illnesses like common cold and flu.
- Severe migraines, Meniere's disease that causes a buildup of fluid in the inner ear and extends a feeling of ringing in the ear.
- Decreased blood flow to the brain.
- Certain medications can damage the ear and lead to vertigo.
- Psychological disturbances, post-traumatic vertigo, and post-partum vertigo can cause an off balance feeling from time to time.
Intake of certain medications like anti-depressants, anti-seizure drugs, drugs to control high blood pressure, sedatives and tranquilizers may cause sudden dizziness. General health problems such as thyroid, vitamin deficiency, diabetes, anemia, and immune system diseases are other possible causes.
If dizziness or vertigo, dizziness or lightheadedness, dizziness or disequillibrium persists, you should seek medical attention immediately. Monitor and record the symptoms. Take it along and explain in detail to the medical practitioner. If constant dizziness is associated with chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, changes in vision or speech, serious head injury, leg or arm weakness, loss of consciousness that lasts for few minutes, it is best to seek emergency medical attention. It may imply a serious health condition. An in-depth diagnosis is urgently required.
Diagnostic tests that may be required include measuring blood pressure, ECG, hearing tests, neurological tests, balance testing and MRI. Many disorders can be treated with medication, surgery, diet, a change in lifestyle, or a combination of these. Postural Hypotension
Postural Hypotension is a condition where there are episodes of low blood pressure when a person stands up or sits down. A person feels dizziness and lightheadedness when sitting up or standing quickly. This indicates that the cardiovascular system does not make quick adjustments to accomodate changed position. This situation is possible in people who are on certain medications. For persons who constantly face low blood pressure, this is not an alarming situation.
Diuretics, drugs for hypertension, heart medications and antidepressants can lead to postural hypotension. Hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or other endocrine disorders can result in episodes of postural hypotension. Severe blood loss can cause sharp sharp fall in blood pressure. Other causes for postural hypotension are dehydration, diabetes and varicose veins.
ECG and EKG can check for any possible irregularities in the heart rhythm. The doctor might conduct a tilt-table test to check your body reaction to differences in position. Blood tests help detect any anemia or hypoglecemia. Persons suffering postural hypotension can increase salt itake slightly. Drinking plenty of water aids in increasing blood volume and preventing dehydration.
Labyrinthitis
A patient suffering from Labyrinthitis experiences severe vertigo and subsequent dizziness and imbalance. There is disequilibrium and spinning attacks. Labyrinthitis is a mild condition that is caused by viral or bacterial infection. Often this condition follows a bout of cold and flu or allergy or drugs that are toxic to the inner ear. It occurs when there is an inflammation in the labyrinth of the ear. Since the sense of balance and hearing hinge on the delicate structure of the inner ear, any dysfunction can lead to symptoms associated with labyrinthitis. Usually the symptoms pass away in a few weeks. However, a severe case of Labyrinthitis can damage your sense of balance and hearing.
Labyrinthitis manifests with symptoms such as lightheadedness, imbalance and feeling of being pushed either forwards, backwards or sideways. There may be nausea, fatigue and reduced immunity. Labyrinthitis may bring on uncontrollable flickering of the eyes and momentary deafness. A patient suffering from Labyrinthitis is likely to face problems with memory and thinking abilities. Depression and anxiety may also set in.
A physician will conduct a physical examination to check for dizzines and vertigo. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections. Hearing and eye tests may be conducted in severe cases. A mild case of Labyrinthitis lasts for a couple of weeks.
- Take good rest
- Drink plenty of water
- Reduce bright lights, noise and stress around you
- Reduce intake of salt and sugar
- Avoid smoking, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate
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