Vertigo is a prevalent condition, affecting a significant proportion of the adult population. It is a sensation of feeling off balance, often described as a spinning sensation, which may be accompanied by feelings of unsteadiness, loss of balance, nausea, or vomiting.
It might seem a bit surprising at first , but the inner ear isn't just important for hearing; it's also key to keeping you balanced. When something's off in your inner ear, it can make you feel dizzy or like the world is spinning, which is what happens with vertigo.
Today we want to shed light on the prevalence, causes, and treatment options for vertigo, and talk about  our role as Audiologists in treating the issue.
A Primer on Vertigo
Think of vertigo as a sign that something else is going on in your body, rather than a condition on its own. It often happens when there's an issue with your vestibular system. This system is like your body's internal balance center, involving parts of your inner ear, a special nerve, and areas in your brain that help you keep upright and know where you are in space. When something's not working right in this system, it can make you feel dizzy or like you're spinning, which is what we call vertigo.
According to various studies, vertigo affects nearly 40% of adults in the United States at least once in their lifetime. The likelihood of experiencing vertigo increases with age, with four out of ten adults over the age of 40 likely to experience it at some point. Women are slightly more susceptible to vertigo than men.
Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo can be set off by many different things. One usual suspect is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This happens when tiny calcium particles in your inner ear get loose and wander into canals they shouldn't be in. When you move your head or body, especially in bed or when bending over, these particles can trigger a short spell of vertigo.
Another common cause is Meniere's Disease. This is about an imbalance of fluids in your inner ear, leading to vertigo that can last from a few minutes to several hours. If you have Meniere's, you might also notice your hearing goes up and down, hear ringing in your ears, or feel like your ear is full or under pressure.
Labyrinthitis is also on the list. This is an inflammation inside your inner ear and can bring on vertigo that lasts from several hours to a few days.
Vertigo can also be a symptom of various health issues. Neurological conditions like brain tumors, migraines, strokes, and conditions like multiple sclerosis can lead to vertigo. But it's not just neurological; other causes can include diabetes, heart issues, rapid breathing, sudden drops in blood pressure upon standing, and even emotional factors like panic attacks or anxiety. Plus, taking certain prescription or over-the-counter medications might contribute to vertigo as well.
How Vertigo is Diagnosed and Treated
Diagnosing vertigo starts with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Here at Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists, our audiologists play a crucial role in figuring out what's causing your vertigo. Our evaluations might include hearing and balance tests, along with other diagnostic steps.
The way we treat vertigo really depends on what's causing it. If it's BPPV, we have special in-office techniques to help dislodge crystals in the ear canal and help them return to their original place.
Sometimes, medication might be needed to control symptoms or address the root problem. For example, in Meniere's disease, a diuretic can help manage fluid in the inner ear. More serious cases might need treatments like inner ear injections or surgery, which is where we would refer you to an ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) doctor.
In conclusion, vertigo is a common condition that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. However, with appropriate diagnosis and treatment, most people with vertigo can successfully manage their symptoms. If you're struggling with vertigo or dizzy spells, don't hesitate to reach out to the audiologists at Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists for expert advice and care.
