Vertigo is a sensation of spinning, dizziness, or imbalance that can make it feel like you or your surroundings are moving. It is often caused by inner ear disorders, affecting balance and coordination.
🔹 Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – The most common cause; occurs when tiny calcium particles (otoliths) in the inner ear shift and disrupt balance signals.
🔹 Meniere’s Disease – A buildup of fluid in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing loss.
🔹 Vestibular Neuritis (Labyrinthitis) – Inflammation of the inner ear, often due to viral infections.
🔹 Migraine-Associated Vertigo – Some migraines cause dizziness and balance problems.
🔹 Head Injuries – Trauma to the head or ear can affect balance.
🔹 Stroke or Neurological Disorders – Rare but serious causes of vertigo.
🔹 Medications – Some drugs (e.g., antibiotics, diuretics) can affect the inner ear.
✔ Spinning sensation – Feeling like the room is moving.
✔ Dizziness or lightheadedness.
✔ Loss of balance or unsteadiness.
✔ Nausea or vomiting.
✔ Ear-related symptoms – Ringing (tinnitus), hearing loss, or fullness in the ear.
✔ Nystagmus – Involuntary eye movements.
Physical exam – Checking balance, coordination, and eye movement.
Dix-Hallpike test – Confirms BPPV by triggering vertigo in specific head positions.
MRI or CT scan – If a neurological cause is suspected.
Hearing tests – Evaluates inner ear function.
🧍♂️ Epley Maneuver – A series of head movements that help reposition calcium deposits in BPPV.
Move slowly – Avoid sudden head movements to prevent dizziness.
Stay hydrated – Dehydration can worsen vertigo.
Avoid alcohol & caffeine – Can affect inner ear balance.
Rest in a quiet, dark place – Helps during severe episodes.
Antihistamines (Meclizine, Dimenhydrinate) – Help reduce dizziness and nausea.
Vestibular suppressants (Diazepam, Lorazepam) – For severe vertigo episodes.
Anti-nausea drugs (Ondansetron, Metoclopramide) – Controls vomiting.
Diuretics – Reduce fluid buildup in Meniere’s disease.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) – Exercises to improve balance.
Canalith repositioning therapy – Moves dislodged calcium particles in BPPV.
Surgery (rare cases) – For severe, persistent vertigo (e.g., Meniere’s disease surgery).
