My mother is suffering from vertigo every now and then. It always
starts with yawning, then feeling lightheaded and dizzy then later on nausea
and vomiting. I am very worried that I though she is hypertensive. So, we always
want to see her doctor for checkup but everything is normal.
Vertigo is a subtype of dizziness, where there is a feeling
of motion when one is stationary. The symptoms are due to an asymmetric
dysfunction of the vestibular system in the inner ear. It is often associated
with nausea and vomiting as well as a balance disorder, causing difficulties
standing or walking. There are three types of vertigo: Objective − the patient
has the sensation that objects in the environment are moving; Subjective −
patient feels as if he or she is moving; Pseudovertigo − intensive sensation of
rotation inside the patient's head. While appearing in textbooks, this
classification has little to do with pathophysiology or treatment.
Dizziness and vertigo rank among the most common complaints
in medicine, affecting approximately 20%-30% of the general population. Vertigo
may be present in patients of all ages. However, it is rarely a primary concern
amongst children, and becomes more prevalent with increasing age. The most
common causes are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, concussion and
vestibular migraine while less common causes include Ménière's disease and
vestibular neuritis. Excessive consumption of ethanol (alcoholic beverages) can
also cause notorious symptoms of vertigo. Repetitive spinning, as in familiar
childhood games, can induce short-lived vertigo by disrupting the inertia of
the fluid in the vestibular system.
Although we might take balance for granted, the vestibular
system is one of the most impressive functions of the human body, as it is the
sensory system that provides the dominant input for movement and balance.
Although we may not realize it, tiny structures in our inner ear help to keep
us from tipping over.
Balance is the result of a number of bodily systems working
together– the eyes (visual system), ears (vestibular system), and the body's
sense of where it is in space (proprioception). The information from these body
systems is integrated by the brain, which also needs to be functioning normally
to maintain balance.
The vestibular system works with the visual system to keep
objects in focus when the head is moving. When the head is tilted or the body
position is changed with respect to gravity, the displacement of the stones
causes the hair cells to bend. If there are any irregularities in this balance
system of ‘bobbing buoys’ and fluid, we lose the ability to remain balanced.
This video presents some ways to determine vertigo and exercise
to balance the inner ear.
The Epley Maneuver (the most effective exercise for vertigo)
From time to time, experiencing dizziness and problems with
balance can be extremely distressing. But there are many things that you can do
to ease your dizziness naturally. It can be helpful to drink adequate amounts
of fluid daily. It's also a good idea to change positions slowly to avoid
dizziness and disorientation and to limit the amount of salt you eat in a day.
Limiting salt intake can decrease the pressure in your inner ear.
People who suffer from vertigo also tend to experience
nervousness that may result in a vicious cycle. Reducing stress levels can
benefit anyone who experiences regular bouts of dizziness. Make sure that you
have sufficient regular sleep, eat regular, wholesome meals (to keep blood
sugar levels stable), and use natural remedies to benefit the nervous system.
It is also important to have blood pressure checked as dizziness and faintness
may be brought on by low blood pressure.
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