Dizziness: A Symptom, Not A Disease

by Anne Rivera

Also known as vertigo, dizziness is described as having the sensation of spinning or whirling as a result of disturbance in one’s balance. It may be associated with lightheadedness, faintness, and unsteadiness. Subjective vertigo is the sensation of movement, while objective vertigo refers to one’s perception of movement in surrounding objects. The structures of the inner ear, vestibular nerve, brainstem, and cerebellum are the ones affected which causes dizziness.

In the United States, 40% of people experience a dizzy spell at least once during their lifetime. Research has shown that the occurrence is slightly higher in women and it increases with age.

Symptoms and Causes

Some people have the feeling of being pulled down or sideways. And oftentimes, any change in position or movement of the head worsens the condition. Among the many accompanying symptoms of dizziness nausea, imbalance, lightheadedness, blurred vision, fatigue, sensitivity to lights and sounds, sweating are the more common.

Vertigo may indicate either a peripheral vestibular disorder or a central vestibular disorder. The former is usually associated with sudden onset of vertigo usually lasting a few seconds to a few minutes and are intermittent. The latter usually develops gradually.

Severe vertigo can hinder one’s day-to-day activities and as a result, it may eventually lead to irritability, poor self-esteem, depression, and potential injuries and falls--more so in people over the age of 65.

Dizziness causes have been linked to the following: inner ear infection, certain medications, environmental chemicals (lead, mercury, tin), certain antibiotics, and alcohol.

Diagnosis

Cardiovascular disease, stroke, hemorrhage, and tumor are some of the serious conditions that can be ruled out if a diagnosis of vertigo is made. During the check up, one should be able to have information on the triggers, other symptoms, the duration, and factors that improve or worsen the vertigo so that the physician will be able to get a clearer picture as to what you are experiencing.

What to expect are the following: physical examination; positional vertigo test to differentiate peripheral from central vestibular disorder; electronystagmography (ENG) that tests hearing, eye movement, and responses to positional and posture changes; blood tests that includes blood count, kidney and thyroid panels; imaging tests, either computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment

Eliminating the underlying cause is the best treatment for vertigo. For instance, if you notice that a certain medication triggers it then try lowering the dosage or discontinuing it.

Vestibular rehabilitation treatment is achieved by performing exercises to improve balance and prevent falls. But this is dependent on certain factors such as the age of the patient, coordination and motor skills, overall health, and physical strength. Medication is another form of treatment such as the use of antibiotics to treat ear infections.

There are still studies being performed to determine the exact relation of the brain and the inner structures of the ear. The connection between dizziness, eye movements, and body position are under ongoing research so as to provide better methods of diagnosis and appropriate treatment.