Anew Perspective on Dizziness: Understanding Vertigo and Its Different Forms
Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms that can have a significant impact on a person’s daily life. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to distinct experiences, each with its own causes and treatments. Understanding the difference and knowing when to seek medical attention can help individuals manage these conditions more effectively.
What Is Dizziness?
Dizziness is a broad term used to describe a variety of sensations, including lightheadedness, unsteadiness, and the feeling that you or your surroundings are moving. It is a symptom rather than a diagnosis and can be caused by a range of conditions, from dehydration to more serious neurological issues. While dizziness is a common experience, its causes can be diverse, and it is important to determine the underlying issue for proper treatment.
Types of Dizziness
There are three primary types of dizziness: vertigo, presyncope, and disequilibrium. Understanding these can help distinguish the type of dizziness you’re experiencing.
Vertigo
Vertigo is a spinning sensation, as if you or your surroundings are moving when they aren’t. It is often caused by an issue in the inner ear or vestibular system, which controls balance. Vertigo is most commonly associated with conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis.
Common symptoms of vertigo include:Spinning sensation
Loss of balance
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty standing or walking
Presyncope
Presyncope is the feeling of lightheadedness or near-fainting. It occurs when there is a drop in blood flow to the brain, leading to a sensation of dizziness and weakness. It is commonly triggered by standing up too quickly, dehydration, or blood pressure fluctuations.
Common symptoms of presyncope include:Lightheadedness
Weakness or faintness
Blurry vision
Sweating or palpitations
Disequilibrium
Disequilibrium refers to a sense of unsteadiness or loss of balance, typically without the sensation of spinning. This type of dizziness is often related to problems with the inner ear, the muscles, or the sensory systems that help maintain balance.
Common symptoms of disequilibrium include:A feeling of imbalance or instability
Difficulty walking or standing
Clumsiness or frequent stumbling
Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo
The causes of dizziness can range from minor issues to serious health conditions. Some of the most common causes include:
Inner Ear Disorders: Conditions like BPPV, Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis can cause vertigo and disequilibrium due to disturbances in the inner ear, which plays a key role in balance.
Low Blood Pressure: A sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension), can lead to lightheadedness or presyncope.
Dehydration and Electrolyte Imbalance: Lack of fluids or an imbalance in electrolytes can reduce blood volume, causing dizziness and fainting.
Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as migraines, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease can lead to dizziness or vertigo, affecting the brain’s ability to process balance-related information.
Medication Side Effects: Some medications, particularly those that affect blood pressure, the central nervous system, or the inner ear, may cause dizziness as a side effect.
Symptoms and Impact of Dizziness
The symptoms of dizziness can range from mild to severe, and the impact on daily life can be significant. People who experience dizziness may have trouble with:
Balance and coordination, leading to a higher risk of falls and accidents.
Driving, as dizziness or vertigo can make it unsafe to operate a vehicle.
Work and daily tasks, as dizziness can cause difficulty concentrating, walking, and performing basic activities.
Chronic dizziness or vertigo can also contribute to emotional distress, such as anxiety and depression, due to the unpredictability of symptoms.
Diagnosing the Cause of Dizziness
Diagnosing dizziness involves a thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider. This typically includes:
Medical history: A review of symptoms, any triggering events, and related medical conditions.
Physical examination: An assessment of balance and coordination, and a check for signs of neurological or inner ear issues.
Tests: Depending on the suspected cause, tests may include hearing exams, balance assessments, blood pressure readings, and imaging studies (e.g., MRI or CT scan).
For cases related to the inner ear, specialized tests like videonystagmography (VNG) or head impulse testing may be used to assess vestibular function.
Treatment Options for Dizziness and Vertigo
Treatment for dizziness or vertigo depends on the underlying cause. Some common approaches include:
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT): A specialized form of physical therapy that helps individuals retrain their brain and body to adapt to changes in balance. VRT is often used for conditions like BPPV and vestibular neuritis.
Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms of dizziness or vertigo. These might include antihistamines, anti-nausea drugs, or medications for blood pressure regulation.
Lifestyle modifications: Staying hydrated, avoiding rapid movements, and reducing stress can help minimize dizziness episodes. For those with low blood pressure, wearing compression stockings and increasing salt intake may be helpful.
Surgical options: In rare cases, surgery may be required to treat conditions like Meniere’s disease or other vestibular disorders that don’t respond to other treatments.
Our Approach to Dizziness at Anew Chiropractic
To address the different types of dizziness you may be experiencing, Anew offers a specialized recovery program. This program includes:
1. Initial Assessment:
Detailed patient history to identify underlying issues and contributing factors
Physical examination
Homework
2. Evaluation:
Videooculography for eye movements
Video Head Impulse Testing for vestibular function
Computerized Assessment of Postural Systems (CAPS) for balance
NeckCare for neck function and joint position sense
3. Treatment:
Designed to improve brain function and integration of sensory systems
Includes various therapeutic approaches and metabolic support
Improve how visual, vestibular and proprioceptive systems work together to reduce dizziness.
4. Homework:
Personalized home exercises that will allow you to continue with your improvements.
5. Follow-up:
Continued follow-ups with our providers to ensure that you are staying on the right track and that your home exercises don’t need to have alterations made.
Your Next Step
If dizziness or vertigo is affecting your life, contact Anew Chiropractic today to schedule an initial assessment. With a personalized approach, we aim to address not just the symptoms, but the root causes of your condition.
References:
American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS). "Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)." Retrieved from https://www.entnet.org
Mayo Clinic. "Orthostatic Hypotension." Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/orthostatic-hypotension/symptoms-causes/syc-20350601
National Institutes of Health (NIH). "Dehydration." Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov
American Migraine Foundation. "Migraine and Dizziness." Retrieved from https://americanmigrainefoundation.org
U.S. National Library of Medicine. "Side Effects of Common Medications." Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). "Dizziness and Balance Disorders." Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov
Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA). "Diagnostic Tests for Balance Disorders." Retrieved from https://vestibular.org
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). "Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy." Retrieved from https://www.apta.org
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). "Surgical Treatments for Balance Disorders." Retrieved from https://www.nidcd.nih.gov