Dizziness and Vertigo
Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a distinct type of dizziness, specifically characterized by a spinning or moving sensation, either of yourself or your surroundings. Often, it arises from issues in the inner ear or brain. Furthermore, it may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, which can further intensify the discomfort.
What is Dizziness?
Dizziness is a broad term that refers to various sensations, including feeling faint, woozy, weak, or unsteady. Moreover, it can disrupt your balance and spatial orientation, which, in turn, makes it challenging to carry out daily activities.
Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo
Causes of Inner Ear Disorders
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition occurs when tiny calcium particles, known as canaliths, shift into the inner ear canals. Consequently, it leads to brief episodes of vertigo, particularly triggered by changes in head position.
- Meniere’s Disease: This inner ear disorder is characterized by a combination of severe vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. Over time, it can significantly impact hearing and balance.
- Labyrinthitis: Often caused by an infection, this condition involves inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth. As a result, it can cause intense vertigo coupled with hearing loss.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Typically due to a viral infection, this condition leads to inflammation of the vestibular nerve. In turn, it results in severe, prolonged vertigo that can disrupt daily activities.
Causes of Inner Ear Disorders
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition occurs when tiny calcium particles, known as canaliths, shift into the inner ear canals. Consequently, it leads to brief episodes of vertigo, particularly triggered by changes in head position.
- Meniere’s Disease: This inner ear disorder is characterized by a combination of severe vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a sensation of fullness in the ear. Over time, it can significantly impact hearing and balance.
- Labyrinthitis: Often caused by an infection, this condition involves inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth. As a result, it can cause intense vertigo coupled with hearing loss.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Typically due to a viral infection, this condition leads to inflammation of the vestibular nerve. In turn, it results in severe, prolonged vertigo that can disrupt daily activities.
Symptoms of Dizziness and Vertigo
- Spinning sensation
- Lightheadedness
- Unsteadiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (in cases related to inner ear issues)
- Sweating
- Confusion
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience severe, sudden, or prolonged dizziness or vertigo, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as double vision, difficulty speaking, or weakness in the limbs, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention without delay.
Contact Us
Experiencing dizziness or vertigo? Reach out to Dr. Enu Malik Kukreja today. Schedule an appointment and take the first step toward managing your symptoms and enhancing your well-being.