Vertigo Treatment in Turkey, Symptoms, Causes

Vertigo is a distressing condition characterized by a false sensation of spinning or dizziness. It often feels as though you or your surroundings are moving or rotating when, in reality, they are not. Vertigo can significantly impact a person's balance, causing nausea, vomiting, and anxiety. In this article, we will explore the common causes of vertigo and the treatments available to alleviate this unsettling condition.

What causes vertigo?

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when small calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged and interfere with the normal balance signals sent to the brain. Specific head movements trigger brief but intense episodes of vertigo.

2. Meniere's Disease

Meniere's disease is a chronic inner ear disorder that causes vertigo along with symptoms like tinnitus (ringing in the ears), fluctuating hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear. It is thought to result from fluid buildup in the inner ear.

3. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis

These conditions are often caused by viral infections that affect the inner ear or the nerves controlling balance. They lead to severe vertigo spells, often accompanied by hearing loss, nausea, and vomiting.



4. Migraines

Some individuals experience vestibular migraines, which are characterized by recurrent episodes of vertigo or dizziness as a part of their migraine attacks.

5. Medications

Certain medications, such as those used for high blood pressure or as part of chemotherapy, can have vertigo as a side effect.

6. Head Injuries or Trauma

Trauma to the head or neck can damage the inner ear or the vestibular nerves, leading to persistent vertigo.

Treatment Options for Vertigo:

The treatment of vertigo depends on its underlying cause and severity. Here are some common approaches to managing vertigo:

1. Epley Maneuver: For BPPV, healthcare professionals can perform the Epley maneuver, a series of head movements designed to reposition dislodged ear crystals. This maneuver is often effective in relieving BPPV-related vertigo.
2. Medications: In cases where vertigo is caused by inflammation or infection, doctors may prescribe medications such as antihistamines, antiemetics (to control nausea and vomiting), or corticosteroids.
3. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): VRT is a type of physical therapy that focuses on improving balance and reducing dizziness. It involves specific exercises and maneuvers tailored to the individual's condition.
4. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes: For Meniere's disease, reducing salt intake and avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help control fluid buildup in the inner ear. In some cases, diuretics may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
5. Migraine Management: Individuals with vestibular migraines may benefit from preventive medications, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques to reduce the frequency and severity of vertigo attacks.
6. Surgery: In rare cases where other treatments are ineffective, surgical interventions, such as vestibular nerve section or endolymphatic sac surgery, may be considered.
7. Habituation Exercises: These exercises help individuals adapt to their vertigo symptoms, gradually reducing their intensity and frequency over time.

It is essential to consult a healthcare professional, preferably an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist) or a neurologist, for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Self-diagnosis and treatment can sometimes worsen the condition or lead to unnecessary delays in receiving effective care.

Vertigo can significantly affect a person's quality of life, but many individuals find relief through appropriate treatments and lifestyle adjustments. With proper management, the symptoms of vertigo can often be minimized, allowing individuals to regain their balance and regain control of their lives.