BY DR LULU C.
Welcoming our lovely readers to our weekly health diaries column where we delve into various disease-related topics simplifying complex concepts for our readers.
Have you ever felt as though the room was spinning around you, even while sitting or lying down?
Or experienced a sudden sensation that you were moving when your body was completely still?
This may be vertigo, a condition that can be frightening and sometimes interfere with daily activities.
Vertigo is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying problem. It differs from ordinary dizziness because it creates a false sensation of movement, either of yourself or your surroundings.
One of the most common causes is a problem in the inner ear, which helps the body maintain balance. A condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) occurs when tiny calcium crystals move into the wrong part of the inner ear. This can trigger brief episodes of spinning when turning in bed, bending down or looking up.
Other causes include inflammation of the inner ear or balance nerve, migraine and certain medications. Less commonly, vertigo may result from a problem affecting the brain, including a stroke.
People with vertigo may experience a spinning sensation, nausea, vomiting, unsteadiness or difficulty walking.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Taking dizziness medication without knowing the cause may delay appropriate treatment.
During an episode, sit or lie down somewhere safe, avoid sudden head movements and do not drive until symptoms have resolved.
Vertigo can be distressing, but many causes can be successfully treated. The important thing is to recognise when symptoms need medical attention rather than assuming every episode of dizziness is harmless.
Dr Lulu contact: healthdiaries@yahoo.com
