What is Ear Vertigo?
The first thing to do in diagnosing vertigo is to have the patient describe the feeling he/she feels. Then, tests on the central nervous system and inner ear are performed to find the underlying cause. If insufficiency of blood flow to the brain is suspected, Doppler ultrasound, CT angiography, magnetic resonance angiography (MRI) or catheter angiography methods may be applied. Treatment is planned depending on the diagnosis.
Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo is mainly caused by diseases of the central nervous system and inner ear. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common type of vertigo. In this type of vertigo, severe dizziness is observed that lasts for 15 seconds or a few minutes and usually occurs following the movement of the head. It may occur as a result of shaking the head back and forth or turning over in bed. It is usually seen in the elderly. Respiratory diseases and decreased blood flow to the head area can cause this condition. Although the findings can be disturbing, BPPV is a benign disorder. It usually does not require treatment. Vertigo should not be confused with classic headache or depression. For example, a person who is dissatisfied with his appearance may think too much about how a hair transplant is done or whether he is suitable for a hair transplant, and may experience the psychological effects of the problems he experiences with his appearance, but any psychological effects do not cause vertigo.
Vertigo may occur as a result of inflammation of the inner ear called labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis. The causative agent is usually viruses. The most common agents are influenza, measles, rubella, herpes, mumps, polio, hepatitis and EBV viruses. Hearing loss may also occur along with dizziness.
Another disease in which vertigo occurs is Meniere’s disease. In Meniere’s disease, in addition to vertigo symptoms, tinnitus and hearing loss are also observed. Meniere’s disease progresses in the form of attacks and periods of remission. Although the cause of the disease is not known exactly, head trauma, viruses, heredity and allergies are among the causes.
Acoustic neuroma is a type of tumor of the nerve tissue of the inner ear. Along with vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss occur.
Vertigo may also occur as a result of occlusion of the brain vessels or brain hemorrhage. Another disease where vertigo occurs is multiple sclerosis (MS).
Vertigo may occur after head trauma and neck injuries. Diabetes, low blood sugar, anxiety and panic disorder are other causes of vertigo.
Vertigo Symptoms
In vertigo, the person has a feeling that he or the people around him are spinning. Vertigo may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, abnormal eye movements and sweating. Hearing loss and tinnitus may occur. Visual impairment, difficulty in walking and changes in consciousness may accompany the condition. Problems accompanying vertigo vary depending on the main disease causing vertigo.
When to Consult a Doctor?
If you have the following symptoms along with vertigo, you should consult a doctor immediately:
double vision
speech difficulty
Headache
Weakness in arms and legs
loss of balance
Loss of consciousness
How to Treat Vertigo?
Vertigo treatment is based on the underlying disease. Antibiotics are used if there is a middle ear infection. If there is an infection in the ear that does not heal, surgical treatment may be required. In Menier’s disease, patients are given a salt-free diet and diuretic drugs. In benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the disease ends spontaneously within a few weeks or months. Physicians can perform some positional maneuvers for the patient in this situation. Inner ear surgery may be considered for patients who do not improve, and rarely for patients who do not improve. Patients with BPPV should avoid sudden head movements, take plenty of rest, and consume plenty of fluids. They should avoid working at height and using dangerous devices. Physical therapy is also used in the treatment of vertigo. It is necessary to stay away from caffeine, tobacco and alcohol during vertigo treatment.
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The information on this page varies from person to person.
Kenan Selçuk TUNCAY
Otolaryngologist