Some people suffer from episodes of severe giddiness, which can be quite severe. What causes these episodes, and what can you do to manage them?

 

WHAT IS VERTIGO?

 

Vertigo refers to recurrent episodes of a specific type of giddiness - when you feel the room 'spinning' around you, or that the floor is 'wobbly' under you. This giddiness tends to get worse whenever you turn your head, or change your head position.

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It can be difficult to maintain your balance during these episodes, and it is not uncommon for someone to have a fall when their vertigo flares up, especially if they are elderly. 

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A lot of people also experience some degree of nausea during these episodes, and may even vomit. 

 

WHAT CAUSES IT?

 

There are a few important causes of vertigo. 

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A common one is a problem in your ears. All of use have three parts to our ear: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Vertigo due to ear issues may also be associated with tinnitus - a ringing or whining sound that you'll hear in one or both ears from time to time,e specially when your vertigo flares up. If you have an issue with your inner ear, you're probably going to experience vertigo episodes pretty frequently, since your inner ear is responsible for helping you maintain your balance as you stand, walk, or sit upright.

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If there is an infection causing inflammation in your middle or inner ear, you can experience episodes of vertigo. You may also experience some degree of hearing loss. In addition to a ear infection, any viral infection (like an episode of flu or food
poisoning) can also trigger off vertigo episodes.

 

Another less common, but more dangerous, cause is a problem with the nerve that runs to your inner ear. This nerve is involved with receiving sensory input from your inner ear - ie. it is involved with you being able to hear through your ear.

A sudden hearing loss in one ear may be associated with some vertigo. A stroke, or problems with the blood supply in the arteries going up to your brain can cause this issue. This is an urgent issue that needs to be checked immediately - you may need a brain scan.

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SEE A DOCTOR!

 

If your vertigo is a new issue, or if you have some ear pain or discharge, or hearing loss, you should definitely go see a doctor to get it checked.

 

Your doctor will check your ears to see if there is any sign of infection - you may need some antibiotics to help clear the infection away.

 

Your doctor may also check your hearing with something called a 'tuning fork' - this helps your doctor differentiate between the kind of hearing loss you are experiencing. If your doctor detects a certain kind of hearing loss involving your nerve, you'll need to head down to the Emergency Department urgently to see if a brain scan needs to be performed.

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However, if there isn't anything urgent that your doctor detects after checking you, you'll get some vertigo medications that should help to settle the symptoms down.

 

There are a few of them to try - they include Stemetil, Beta-histine, and Cinnarizine. These medications are all different, but they all work very well to alleviate vertigo episodes.

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WHAT CAN I DO?

 

You can minimise your chance of having your vertigo flaring up by keeping yourself well-hydrated and getting adequate rest every day. Take extra precautions to minimise your risk of falling sick with a viral infection - try to prepare your own food, minimise exposure to food that has been exposed for a prolonged period, wear a mask when you're around others, and sanitise your hands frequently.

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When exercising, always make sure you are well-hydrated, especially if you are exercising outdoors on a hot day. Always warm-up with a bit of light cardio before exercising.

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Once you have a flare of vertigo, see a doctor to get yourself checked, and get some medication. Take the day off, and rest at home. Keep yourself well-hydrated. Try to minimise your head movements since these movements may cause a bit
more vertigo.

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If you find that your vertigo episodes are becoming more frequent, or more severe, you should consider seeing a specialist. Your doctor may refer you to either a Neurologist or an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist for further assessment and management, depending on the symptoms and examination findings you have.

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There is some data to indicate that supplementing with Gingko Biloba may help reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo flares. Why not give this supplement a try?

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WRAP IT UP!

 

Vertigo is a fairly common issue, but can be quite debilitating. If yous tart experiencing this type of giddiness, see a doctor to get it checked, and try supplementing with some Gingko!