Vertigo is usually a symptom rather than a condition itself, with the terms vertigo and dizziness often being used interchangeably.

SYMPTOMS

The sensation associated with vertigo is usually a spinning environment. A person experiencing vertigo may feel dizzy, nauseous, and unbalanced, which may cause difficulty walking.

CAUSES

Vertigo can be categorised into peripheral vertigo and central vertigo. Peripheral vertigo usually involves issues with the inner ear and balance mechanisms. Causes of peripheral vertigo include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), head trauma and injury, labyrinthitis, vestibular neuronitis, Meniere’s disease, and certain medications. Central vertigo is associated with problems occurring within the brain, such as migraines, tumours, multiple sclerosis, and strokes.

TREATMENT

The treatment for vertigo depends on the type and its underlying cause. During vertigo attacks, simply lying in a quiet, dark room and avoiding any stressful situations may help to alleviate symptoms. If the vertigo is a symptom of an underlying disorder, than this condition should be directly treated in order to alleviate any symptoms of vertigo.