Vertigo & Dizziness

Overview

Vertigo is more than just feeling lightheaded; it is the false sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or tilting. In India, balance disorders are quite common, often affecting older adults but frequently seen in younger individuals due to stress, inner ear infections, or migraines. Since our sense of balance depends on a complex coordination between the inner ear, the eyes, and the brain, any disruption in these systems can lead to dizziness. At Sanjeevi Hospital in Sangareddy, we understand how scary and disruptive this feeling can be. It can interfere with your daily chores, work, and even your ability to walk safely. Vertigo is typically a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a disease itself. For most patients in our community, timely diagnosis through specialized ENT evaluation leads to effective management, allowing you to return to your normal routine without the constant fear of falling or losing control.

Symptoms to watch for

• A sensation that you or the room is spinning (vertigo)
• Feeling unsteady, as if you might lose your balance or fall
• Nausea or vomiting triggered by head movements
• A heavy or lightheaded feeling in the head
• Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus
• A feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ear
• Blurry vision or difficulty focusing when moving the head
• Episodes of fainting or feeling like you might black out
• Difficulty walking in a straight line or swaying to one side

Causes & risk factors

• BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) caused by small calcium crystals moving in the inner ear
• Labyrinthitis or Vestibular Neuritis resulting from viral infections of the inner ear
• Meniere's disease, which involves an accumulation of fluid pressure in the ear
• Vestibular Migraine, where dizziness occurs as a symptom of a migraine headache
• Reduced blood flow to the base of the brain due to cervical issues or vascular changes
• Side effects from certain medications used for blood pressure or infections
• Age-related changes in the balance system and sensory organs
• Head injuries or trauma that affect the delicate structures of the ear

Diagnosis

• Detailed clinical history including the duration and triggers of dizzy spells
• Dix-Hallpike maneuver to check for specific eye movements called nystagmus
• Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) to assess if hearing loss is linked to the dizziness
• Videonystagmography (VNG) to track involuntary eye movements using special goggles
• Caloric testing to measure the response of the inner ear to temperature changes
• Imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to rule out neurological causes or tumors
• Posturography to evaluate how well you maintain balance in different conditions

Treatment options

Prevention & self-care

• Get out of bed slowly by sitting on the edge for a minute before standing up
• Avoid sudden head movements or looking up quickly at high shelves
• Keep your home well-lit and remove loose rugs to prevent tripping or falling
• Stay hydrated and maintain a consistent sleep schedule to reduce migraine triggers
• Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure with regular check-ups
• Use a walking stick if you feel unsteady until your treatment is complete
• Practice simple balance exercises as recommended by your ENT specialist
• Limit the use of tobacco and excessive caffeine which can affect ear circulation