One of the most frequent health complaints for which adult patients seek medical attention is vertigo. More than simply a case of dizziness, vertigo is a feeling that you are moving while the environment is still or that the environment is moving while you are still.
Most cases of vertigo are due to benign pathology of the ear. Benign positional vertigo is the most common cause. The inner ear has tiny crystals that move as one changes position, allowing your brain to interpret your body's position and maintain one's balance. In BPV, these particles dislodge and move into the wrong part of the canals of the inner ear. This sends the brain confusing messages about the body's position and produces an episode of vertigo. This type of vertigo is associated with movement of the head. While this condition is unnerving and may reoccur unpredictably, it is not medically dangerous and usually improves with time. There are exercises that can reposition the dislodged crystals in the inner ear to help reduce the symptoms.


Another common cause of vertigo is labrynthitis, which often can follow a viral illness. This type of vertigo may worsen with motion but persists when your head is motionless. Symptoms may be improved with medications. You should see a doctor if you have any new episodes of vertigo associated with headaches and coordination problems. Also consult a physician if you have vertigo that persists for several days.

VERTIGO is a type of dizziness that gives a feeling that you or your environment is moving when no movement occurs.It is a sensation of spinning or whirling motion making it difficult to maintain balance while standing or sitting.
It is usually caused by an inner ear problem.

The vertigo may be mild, or it may be severe enough to cause nausea and vomitting. Although dizziness and vertigo are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing.
Dizziness and giddiness is a feeling of light headache due to high or low blood pressure, diabetes or anemia.

While Vertigo, which originated from the latin word vertere which means "to turn", is a condition that creates the illusion of movement.

The most common cause of vertigo is a condition known as "Benign Positional Vertigo" (BPV).
The vertigo caused by BPV usually lasts for less than a minute. This occurs due to an inner ear problem like an imbalance of fluid in the inner ear.
More seriously, it can also signify a problem with certain parts of the brain.
BPV occurs when debris collects in the fluid-filled canal system (semi-circular canals) in the inner ear.

The debris may collect in the inner ear as a result of ageing, injuries (such as a blow to the head) or a viral infection. In most cases, no specific reason can be identified as the cause of BPV.
This type of vertigo begins after making a certain head movement or putting the head in a certain position.

Overcome by sudden bouts ofdizziness, a roaring or ringing sound in the ear, hearing loss and painfulpressure in one or both ears, more than 2.6 million individuals in the U.S.and Europe suffer from Meniere's Disease. According to the NationalInstitutes of Health, an additional 45,000 new cases are diagnosed eachyear in the United States. At its worst, Meniere's Disease can be debilitating, making routinedaily tasks extremely difficult. "Every day my success was measured bywhether I could make it through the workday [without having to go home],"explained Patricia Borrello-Monie, a medical social worker in New Orleans,La. "This became how I defined my productivity at work and my satisfactionwith my life in general. I was totally non-functional at night.

I wouldcome home from work and just lie flat on the sofa to ease the dizzinesssensation." Typically, a Meniere's attack is characterized by a combination ofvertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), and hearing loss lasting severalhours. People experience these discomforts at varying frequencies,durations, and intensities and may notice a loss of hearing or feelunsteady for prolonged periods.

Vertigo attacks, usually the mostdebilitating symptom of Meniere's Disease, can strike patients with littleor no warning and lead to severe nausea, vomiting and sweating. For somepatients, the disease progresses from an occasional incidence to chronicsymptoms. For John Lecky, MD, professor of Anesthesia at the University ofWashington Medical Center, Meniere's threatened his ability to care for hispatients. "Patient safety comes first," he stated. "If you have a vertigoattack ... you're incapacitated. And like so many patients with Meniere'sDisease, I was constantly in fear of an attack I wouldn't be able tocontrol."

After several severe attacks in 2001, Dr. Lecky felt compelled toretire if his disease did not improve. Both Borrello-Monie and Lecky found relief in a unique device thatadministers computer-controlled, low-pressure air pulses to the middle ear."I'd have tried anything and was about ready to [undergo surgery to] havemy vestibular nerve cut, but the theory of the device made sense to me,"stated Dr. Lecky, who was treated by otolaryngologist Dr. George Gates,professor and director of the Virginia Merrill Bloedel Research Center atthe University of Washington Medical Center.

aging, balance, and dizziness

Balance: One of the leading health concerns for people over 60 is falling. Balance in walking and standing is dependent on many factors. The elderly have a higher risk of contracting many different kinds of diseases that can interfere with balance, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration, which all affect vision; peripheral neuropathy, which affects position sense in the feet and legs; and vestibular-system degeneration. Balance is also dependent on good muscle strength and joint mobility. A sedentary lifestyle and arthritis or other diseases of bones and muscles can compromise strength and mobility. Yet even healthy people over 65 appear to have more trouble than younger people in maintaining their balance on soft or uneven surfaces when visual cues are not available (e.g., in the dark). Dizziness in the elderly can be a result of problems with the vestibular, central (brain-related), and vision systems, as well as from neuropathy, psychological causes, and unknown causes. Vestibular disorders, however, are thought to be the most common cause of dizziness in older people, responsible for approximately 50% of the reported dizziness in the elderly. Until recently, relatively little was known about the consequences of aging for the vestibular system. Anatomical studies have shown that the number of nerve cells in the vestibular system grows smaller with age, beginning at about age 55. The loss becomes more severe as age progresses. Of all vestibular disorders, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common. See the description of BPPV and treatment for it through vestibular rehabilitation therapy (balance-retraining exercises and maneuvers). The ability to move about freely is an important factor in the quality of life of both younger and older people. A healthy vestibular system is vitally important to freedom of movement.

Common causes of vertigo include the following

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV, which is caused by an inner ear problem and is the most common cause of vertigo. BPPV is characterized by sudden and severe episodes that are nonetheless not serious.
Inflammation or infection of the inner ear, which can lead to hearing loss if not treated immediately.
Certain serious medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis and head or neck trauma.
Cerebellar hemorrhages, which cause vertigo because of decreased blood flow to the brain. In this case, vertigo is accompanied by more serious symptoms, such as difficulty walking and vision impairments.
Meniere disease, which often also causes ringing in the ear.
Severe migraines.

Treatment

Treatment for vertigo, or dizziness, depends on identifying and eliminating the underlying cause. If a particular medication is responsible for the condition, lowering the dosage or discontinuing the drug may eliminate vertigo.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a type of physical therapy used to treat vertigo. The goal of treatment is to minimize dizziness, improve balance, and prevent falls by restoring normal function of the vestibular system.

In VRT, the patient performs exercises designed to allow the brain to adapt to and compensate for whatever is causing the vertigo. The success of this treatment depends on several factors including the following:
Age of the patient
Cognitive function (e.g., memory, ability to follow directions in order)
Coordination and motor skills
Overall health of the patient (including the central nervous system)
Physical strength

Vertigo, or dizziness, is a symptom, not a disease. The term vertigo refers to the sensation of spinning or whirling that occurs as a result of a disturbance in balance (equilibrium). It also may be used to describe feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness, and unsteadiness. The sensation of movement is called subjective vertigo and the perception of movement in surrounding objects is called objective vertigo.
Vertigo usually occurs as a result of a disorder in the vestibular system (i.e., structures of the inner ear, the vestibular nerve, brainstem, and cerebellum). The vestibular system is responsible for integrating sensory stimuli and movement and for keeping objects in visual focus as the body moves.
When the head moves, signals are transmitted to the labyrinth, which is an apparatus in the inner ear that is made up of three semicircular canals surrounded by fluid. The labyrinth then transmits movement information to the vestibular nerve and the vestibular nerve carries the information to the brainstem and cerebellum (areas of the brain that control coordination, balance, movement, blood pressure, and consciousness). There are a number of different causes for dizzy spells.

Non-dietary substances that helps

Some non-dietary substances can increase symptoms of vestibular disorders as well. Aspirin can increase tinnitus, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can interfere cause water retention or electrolyte imbalance. Nicotine (found in tobacco products and some cease-smoking aids) can increase symptoms, because it decreases the blood supply to the inner ear by constricting blood vessels; it also causes a short-term increase in blood pressure.

General Guidelines

General Guidelines
Dietary strategies for regulating fluid balances involve modifying the amount of certain substances consumed (and reducing fluctuations in those amounts), as well as reducing or eliminating other substances that can adversely affect the inner ear. Components of these dietary strategies include:
▪ Distributing food and fluid intake evenly throughout the day and from day to day.
▪ Avoiding foods and beverages that have a high sugar or salt content. Foods with complex sugars (e.g., those found in legumes and whole grains) are better choices than foods with a high concentration of simple sugars (e.g., table sugar and honey). Sodium intake also affects body-fluid levels and their regulation. Each individual's physician will be the best judge of appropriate levels of sodium intake.
▪ Drinking adequate amounts of fluid daily. If possible, fluid loss from exercise or heat should be anticipated, and extra fluids drunk before and during exercise and in hot weather.
▪ Avoiding foods and beverages with caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant that can make tinnitus louder. Its diuretic properties also cause excessive urinary loss of body fluids.
▪ Limiting or eliminating alcohol consumption. Alcohol can directly and adversely affect the inner ear by changing the volume and composition of its fluid.
▪ Avoiding migraine triggers including foods that contain the amino acid tyramine. Examples of such foods include red wine, chicken liver, smoked meats, yogurt, chocolate, bananas, citrus fruits, figs, ripened cheeses (e.,g., cheddar and Brie), and nuts.

support groups

An unbelievably useful list of support groups for people suffering from vestibular disorders

Check it Out at this page:

http://www.vestibular.org/support-groups/find-support-group.php

It includes a list of support groups in the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada

How is Cervical Vertigo Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is generally uncertain and frustrating. First, other entities need to be ruled ou,t including inner ear disease, central vertigo, psychogenic vertigo (often including malingering when there are legal issues), and medical causes of vertigo. There should be no hearing symptoms or findings, but there may be ear pain (otalgia), as part of the ear is supplied by sensory afferents from the high cervical nerve roots. As cervical vertigo often follows a head injury; in this situation, the various causes of post-traumatic vertigo shoud be considered.
If cervical vertigo still seems likely after excluding reasonable alternatives, one next needs to look for positive confirmation. The "gold standard test" for the vertebral arteries is vertebral angiography. Because this is a risky procedure by itself, often it is decided not to proceed to this step. Ordinary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and vertebral doppler procedures are rarely abnormal, and sometimes are used as a screening procedure to decide whether vertebral angiography is necessary. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the neck and flexion-extension X-ray films of the neck are suggested in all.
Many patients who have vertigo in the context of neck disease have a BPPV type nystagmus on positional testing. This suggests that the neck afferents may interact strongly with vestibular inputs derived from the posterior canal.

Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are moving when you are not actually moving. The "moving" is often described as a feeling of spinning or whirling. The "moving" feeling can also include sensations of falling or tilting. If you have vertigo, you may have difficulty walking or standing. If you stand, you may also lose your balance and fall.

Dizziness is a word that is often used to describe two different sensations. It is important to know exactly what you mean when you say, "I feel dizzy,". It is important to know exactly what you mean because it can help you and your doctor narrow down the list of possible problems.

Lightheadedness is a feeling that you are about to pass out. When you feel lightheaded, you may feel dizzy but there is no sensation of movement. Lightheadedness usually goes away or improves when you lie down. If lightheadedness does not go away and gets worse, it can lead to a feeling of almost fainting or fainting. Sometimes, nausea or vomiting symptoms accompany lightheadedness.

Self-Care

If you experience dizziness, consider these tips:

Be aware of the possibility of losing your balance, which can lead to falling and serious injury.
Sit or lie down immediately when you feel dizzy.
Avoid driving a car or operating heavy machinery if you experience frequent dizziness.
Use good lighting if you get out of bed at night.
Walk with a cane for stability.
Avoid using caffeine, alcohol and tobacco. Excessive use of these substances can restrict your blood vessels and worsen your signs and symptoms.
Work closely with your doctor to manage your symptoms effectively.

Cervical Vertigo

What is Cervical Vertigo?

Vertigo or dizziness occasionally accompanies a neck injury. The precise incidence is controversial. Nevertheless, cervical vertigo is matter of considerable concern because of the high litigation related costs of whiplash injuries.
When cervical vertigo is diagnosed, the usual symptoms are dizziness associated with neck movement. There should be no hearing symptoms or findings but there may be ear pain (otalgia). Brandt (1996) has recently reviewed this topic.

What Causes Cervical Vertigo?

Physiologically, there are two well recognized potential causes of cervical vertigo:
Vascular compression. The vertebral arteries in the neck can be compressed by the vertebrae (which they traverse), or other structures. Arthritis, surgery, chiropractic manipulation are all possibilities. The most common cause of vertebral dissection is chiropractic manipulation (Vibert et al, ORL, 1993). For this reason, we recommend against chiropractic treatment of vertigo that includes "snapping" or forceful manipulation of the vertigo.
Abnormal sensory input from neck proprioceptors. Sensory information from the neck may be unreliable or absent. Sensory information from the neck is combined with vestibular and visual information to determine the position of the head on the neck, and space. This mechanism was investigated by DeJong and DeJong who injected local anesthetics into their own necks. Such injections caused unsteadiness and minor amounts of dizziness. It is possible that some individuals are more sensitive than others, and also that neck inputs interact with other causes of vertigo.
The neck also interacts with other types of vertigo. Neck input may be used as sensory input to assist in stabilizing vision. This can be easily demonstrated by eliciting ocular nystagmus from vibration of the neck, in individuals who are otherwise well compensated.
Source- American Hearing Research Foundation