The Not-so-Merry Go Round

Have you ever experienced a dizzying sensation as though the room's spinning but in reality it isn't? Or do you have a brief lightheaded spell that nearly causes you to stumble forward? Before you panic, you should know that these instances are the signs of a condition called vertigo.

Vertigo (not to be confused with vitiligo) is a condition where one has a spinning sensation even if he/she is in a stationary position or while lying down. Aside from this, other symptoms include nausea, headaches, balance problems, and ringing in the ear. Thankfully, this dizzying spell is usually temporary and minor cases can be resolved with non-surgical methods.  

What causes vertigo? There are multiple reasons for it but these are the most common ones: 

• Labyrinthitis. This occurs when the inner ear labyrinth becomes inflamed due to infection, which affects the nerve responsible for sending signals to the brain concerning head motion, position, and sound. Hearing loss, headaches, ear pain. and vision changes may also occur. 
• Vestibular neuritis. Similar to labyrinthitis, it also affects the same nerve, the only difference being that its main symptoms are blurry vision, severe nausea, and sensations of imbalance. 
• Meniere's disease. This is the most common cause of vertigo, mainly affecting those aged between 40 and 60. When there is a high buildup of fluid inside the ear, it can lead to hearing loss and ringing in the ears. Doctors are still unsure about the root cause for it but it may be thanks to constriction of blood vessels, viral infection, or an autoimmune reaction. 
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Our inner ear have structures named otolith organs, where it is filled with fluid and calcium carbonate crystals. But once those crystal become detached and fall onto the sensory hair cells within the semicircular canals, it will send misleading signals to the brain about the individual's position, thus resulting in dizziness. 

Some forms of vertigo can be solved by itself without treatment, but others may require medical attention. Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines and anti-emetics can help to relieve dizziness and nausea, but if it doesn't work, surgery may be the next option. Practicing certain lifestyle changes can also aid in reducing the effects of vertigo: 

1. Lying still in a dark, quiet room if the dizziness is severe
2. Taking more time to make certain movements which may trigger symptoms (e.g. standing up, turning the head)
3. Squatting instead of bending to pick something up 
4. Using more pillows to raise your head while sleeping