Facts and coping with vertigo

Vertigo can be very disabling. It can cause distress to its sufferers with little hope of finding a solution. However, later in this article, we will discuss a way that you can find natural relief from the spinning of vertigo. But first, let’s talk about some things you should be aware of if you suffer from it.

All About Vertigo

The dizziness along with the spinning sensation, can come on all of a sudden. Medical experts were consulted, and here is a compilation of the facts they would like their patients and others to be aware of when it comes to vertigo.

How it feels:

Vertigo always has a rotational component to it. It is the feeling that you are standing still while the world spins around you or you are spinning around while the things around you are actually standing still.  You may also feel nauseated or have double vision. Your hearing may be decreased or you may have ringing in your ears.

How long it lasts:

Feeling dizzy even for a few seconds can be terrifying. However, most attacks last longer than a few seconds. It depends on what is causing it, of course, but some cases of vertigo can last for anywhere from a few hours to a few days or even weeks. It is important to keep track of how long your episodes lasts and inform your doctor. This is a vital piece of information in helping you get the right diagnosis.

Vertigo is simply a symptom:

Many people believe vertigo is a disease with symptoms, but it is actually a symptom of a number of different conditions. Most of the time it will go away on its own or can be cared for. Many of the diseases associated with vertigo have to do with the vestibular system. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and is responsible for motion and detecting the location of our body in relation to the things around us in our environment. Certain conditions cause an abnormal signal to be sent through the vestibular nerve to the brain. This tells the brain there is movement when there is not, causing vertigo. It is important to find the underlying cause of it to be able to care for it properly.

Different vertigo types:

Peripheral or central vertigo are the two main types. Peripheral vertigo has to do with a problem of the inner ear. Central vertigo has to do with a problem of the central nervous system. Peripheral vertigo is much more common.

Cause of vertigo while lying down:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), is the most common cause of vertigo. It may be triggered by calcium deposits in the inner ear, but the actual source of the problem is unclear. It can last for a few seconds or several minutes and can come back again and again over the course of many months. Vertigo can be extreme or mild and is often brought about when you turn your head too quickly, such as when rolling over in bed. Nystagmus may also occur. This is abnormal movements of the eye. Women get BPPV more often than men, and both sexes over the age of 50 are at a higher risk than younger people.

Meniere’s disease:

Meniere’s is a disorder of the inner ear that brings on vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. The cause of Meniere’s remains a mystery, but it is closely tied to inner ear malfunction. It seems as if the internal environment of the ear becomes out of control. For the ear to keep you in proper balance, it must maintain a certain environment utilizing cells to detect head movement. It is possible that the inner ear tissue tears due to excessive fluid pressure, allowing the wrong type of fluid to move to the inner ear.

Acute labyrinthitis and vertigo:

It should not surprise us to learn that infections in the inner ear can cause vertigo. Acute labyrinthitis is most often caused by a viral infection. Other ear infections, like otitis media, can also bring the spinning sensation.

Vestibular neuronitis:

This is a condition of the vestibulocochlear nerve located in the inner ear. Inflammation of this nerve causes the brain to inaccurately process information about head position and if the body is in proper balance. Viral infections — shingles, chicken pox, hepatitis, the mumps, herpes simplex, measles, flu, and polio — can be to blame.

A vestibular migraine:

If your migraine is accompanied by severe vertigo, you may have a vestibular migraine. Around 40 percent of those with migraines will get this at least once.

Habits that cause vertigo:

Most cases of vertigo are uncontrollable. However, some vertigo can be due to sleep deprivation, dehydration, stress, and changes in barometric pressure. Avoiding these may help. Diet matters here too. Avoiding alcohol, highly salted and processed foods, and too much caffeine can help you see a reduction in symptoms.

Finding Natural Relief for Vertigo

Upper cervical chiropractors are seeing great success in caring for their vertigo patients. A misalignment in the top bone of the neck, the C1 or atlas vertebra, could be putting the brainstem under pressure and causing it to send improper signals to the brain. If the brainstem tells the brain there is movement, when there is not, vertigo may be the end result.

By using a gentle method to correct this misalignment, we are able to provide our patients with a natural way to care for vertigo that does not involve medication or surgery. Rather, it is safe and effective. Many report a decrease in vertigo after just a few visits.
