What is happening to me? I’m dizzy. Is this the same as Vertigo?
I’m dizzy. I seem to be losing my balance.
I’m dizzy. It’s like I’m floating.
I’m dizzy. I feel I’m going to pass out.
I’m dizzy. The room around me is spinning.
Vertigo is a form of dizziness.
Vertigo is a false sensation that either self or surrounding is spinning, floating or tumbling down.
Not all dizziness is vertigo.
Sometimes vertigo is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
Some patients experience brief spinning episodes, lasting a few seconds.
Some patients experience less frequent vertigo and attacks are moderate in severity.
For some, the vertigo may be severe and frequently affecting daily activities.
A majority of patients experience a vertigo attack that only lasts for few seconds, but however brief the spinning, shaking, or tumbling down sensation, it can still be terrifying.
Three semi-circular canals with fluid and hair cells inside enable us to maintain balance. Two sacs with fluid and mini-stones orient us if we are moving up or down and if we are speeding up or slowing down.
The snail-looking part of the inner ear enables us to hear. The three semi-circular canals and the two sacs called utricle and saccule together are called the vestibular system. Diseases of the vestibular system leads to the sensation of spinning called vertigo.
BPPV
“Each time I turn my head to the right, the surrounding spins for a few seconds, it can be a terrifying experience.”
Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.
Meniere’s disease
“I was shaken violently and there were ringing sounds in my ear. I’m glad I’m not alone in this journey with the illness.”
During the early stage of Meniere’s disease, vertigo attack is described as spontaneous, violent and may be accompanied by hearing loss, ear fullness or ringing of the ear. Symptoms may last for 20 mins to 24 hours.
Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.
Vestibular neuritis
“Two weeks ago, I had a viral infection they linked to my terrifying experience. I threw up and the world was spinning. Good thing I recovered.”
Sudden onset of very frightening severe vertigo. Many people are rushed to the emergency room. Recovery from vertigo may last for several weeks.
Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.
Reference: Types of Vestibular Disorders. Retrieved from https://vestibular.org/understanding-vestibular-disorder/types-vestibular-disorders
Vestibular migraine
Vestibular Migraine involving blood vessels of the brain may also cause vertigo.
“I have throbbing headache on the left part of my head. I also feel dizzy.”
Although rare, other causes of central vertigo may be serious and need immediate medical attention.
Consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of vertigo.