What are the symptoms of vertigo? How do you recognize them? Is there anything you can do to stop them? Learn about all of this and more!
Vertigo is a complex sensation to describe, which consists in the perception of movement, as if everything is going around or inside our head. The word comes from Latin, where ‘see you‘ means to turn.
Both vertigo and dizziness are one of the most frequent reasons for consultation at the GP. In fact, estimates are that around 40% of people over 40 consult for this reason.
This sensation is usually due to an alteration of the balance system. This system is called the vestibular system and is located in the inner part of the ear. The disorders associated with this organ are very frequent and can appear at any age.
Therefore, in this article we explain what are the symptoms of vertigo and everything else you need to know about the disease. It is important to know these symptoms because it is a difficult sensation to describe and diagnose.
What are the symptoms of vertigo?
The inner ear contains the vestibular system, which is what allows humans to maintain balance. In addition, he is also responsible for us being aware of our posture and relating correctly to the space.
Most cases of vertigo are usually due to an alteration in this system. It consists in perceiving a sensation of movement, of oneself or of our surroundings, without anything really moving.
It is a disorder that can affect any age. However, as we have already mentioned, starting at age 40 is much more frequent. Vertigo can be classified into different types:
Peripheral vertigo: it is the one that is produced by the alteration of this vestibular system. It is the most frequent and is usually associated with lesions in the ear. Therefore, it is common for these people to also have hearing loss.
Central vertigo: what happens is that the nerve circuits that carry information from the ear and interpret it are damaged. This interpretation takes place in the brain stem.
Positional: appears in the form of short episodes. It is a response to changes in head position and is usually benign.
Cervical: is produced by an alteration in the cervical vertebrae.
There are so many types of vertigo because the function of balance and posture follows a complex nervous circuit in which many parts of the body intervene. However, all types produce the same complex sensation of movement.
What other symptoms accompany it?
In addition to perceiving that everything around is spinning, there are a number of symptoms that usually accompany vertigo. For example, it is very common for nausea and even vomiting. Similarly, people who suffer from it usually lose their balance and fall.
Depending on the type of vertigo, it is easier to find some symptoms or others. In the case of peripheral vertigo, there is usually a decrease in hearing ability, as we have mentioned. You can also hear ringing in your ears constantly.
In other cases of vertigo we can find that there are alterations in the vision. Many people see double or cannot focus the view correctly. There are even people who lose the ability to speak correctly.
On the other hand, vertigo can be accompanied by a paralysis in the muscles of the face or a feeling of fatigue and weakness in the legs. People who suffer from it usually feel anxiety and anguish, because there are complications when walking or moving.
Importantly, although most cases of vertigo occur in the form of short episodes, they can last for days. In addition, it can happen in both children and adults.
How do you diagnose and treat it?
In order to diagnose vertigo, the most important thing is to explain to the doctor in a very specific way how the sensation is. We must also emphasize the rest of the symptoms that appear.
Normally, the otolaryngologist is the one in charge of performing the exploration of the ear and the rest of the balance system. Depending on the cause of the vertigo, the treatment will be different. You can treat it with certain medications and even surgery, but it depends on each case.
Ideally, before the sensation of vertigo go to the doctor. You should also go if you show some of the accompanying symptoms that we have mentioned. It is a complex disorder that can have various causes, so it is necessary to study it well.
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