When an individual has the actual condition of
vertigo, it has no correlation with the feeling of lightheadedness or of the
feeling of being faint. Vertigo is usually due to an imperfection of the
equilibratory apparatus of the semicircular canals of the ear. There may
also be associated problems
with the vestibule, 8th nerve, the
semicircular canals, the eyes, or in the brainstem. Any of these structures
can be affected by a variety of diseases and disorders, such as: otitis
media, labyrinthitis, osteosclerosis, an obstruction of the Eustachian tube,
or external auditory canal. Avery important element that may result in
vertigo, is a disease called “ Meniere’s syndrome. There can be many other
causes of vertigo that are completely unrelated to those mentioned above.
Such causes can be –motion sickness, neurologic diseases such as multiple
sclerosis, encephalitis, and skull fracture, tumors, preceding and the list can include
many other causes, however the most important have been mentioned.
Sometimes, disparities in the nerve sensors in the muscles, ligaments and joints can cause the individual to be unsteady, however this is not considered to be a true vertigo condition. As previously mentioned, Meniere’s syndrome would probably have to be ruled out as the contributing cause of vertigo. Usually in this condition, there may other symptoms as well, such as, nausea and vomiting that can last from minutes to several hours. Another important condition that may cause vertigo, possibly as important as those mentioned above could be “Postural Hypotension”. This is a sudden drop in the individuals’ blood pressure when getting up suddenly from a sitting or lying down position.
Any individual having vertigo for any prolonged time period, should see their healthcare provider for consultation and tests to arrive at a definitive diagnosis to determine the cause of their symptoms. They will have to undergo such tests as, x-rays, EEG tests, CT scan and vestibular function tests. A tilt table test may also be required. They should also discuss with the doctor, the medications they are taking, and these should include the vitamins and any over-the-counter medications as well. Some of these medications can have a tendency to cause dizziness in some patients. In some extremely intractable vertigo cases that been going on for a prolonged period of time, they never get a definitive diagnosis as to its cause. In either case their healthcare provider will prescribe medications to try to alleviate the vertigo symptoms, and at best minimize the symptoms to degree so that the individual will be able to function normally.
For this individual, it is important that they be extremely cautious in all their movements, especially when getting up from a sitting or lying down position. They constantly have to be aware to perform this task slowly. Getting up in the morning, they should first sit on the edge of the bed for a minute or so before standing. Minor household tasks should be kept at a minimum, or very carefully performed, especially at the stove when dealing with hot utensils. Driving with this condition should be avoided, and when their occupation requires the use of machinery, caution needs to be the keyword in performing all activities.