Dizziness and imbalance are commonly experienced symptoms still not many know what vertigo is. A lot of myths surround the meaning, causes and effects of vertigo. For information on what actually causes vertigo and how to treat it read this post.
Here we explore what dizziness is not. And other such myths that surround vertigo so that you can understand the symptoms correctly and do what is required to stay safe and healthy.
Myths About Vertigo
1. Vertigo means acrophobia or Fear of heights
Many think that vertigo is a fear of heights. It is not true! Vertigo is a spinning sensation or a feeling of false motion as if the entire world around you is spinning or you are moving. There are various medical reasons why vertigo or dizziness occur. A vertigo attack may occur any time of the day, at any place, not only at heights although heights may make a person feel more unsteady.
2. Vertigo is a disease
Vertigo is actually a symptom of fever or a headache, of an underlying disease. Vestibular issues, problems with the nervous system, hypotension, diabetes, anaemia and various other medical conditions can cause balance disorders. Vertigo by itself is not a disease. When one neglects the medical condition underlying vertigo, it may become chronic.
Get treatment for vertigo as soon as you encounter it. Treating vertigo at the onset is better.
3. Vertigo means lightheadedness
Lightheadedness is a feeling of fainting and usually subside when one lies down. Vertigo, on the other hand, is a feeling of motion when you are not moving at all. Vertigo is also felt as tilting or swaying.
Most frequently, reasons of vertigo are its underlying medical conditions, whereas, lightheadedness may occur due to the side effect of medication, weakness, anxiety, allergy etc.
People who suffer vertigo also get lightheaded. Experiencing lightheadedness is quite common, and it goes away once you discontinue the triggering issues.
4. There is no cure for vertigo
There is a general misunderstanding in vertigo sufferers that dizziness does not have a treatment, and they have to live with it lifelong. However, vertigo is treatable. These tips serve as valuable pointers for vertigo patients
- Seek medical intervention as soon as you notice there is a balance issue with you, repeatedly.
- Approach the right doctor. Neuro-otologists, ENT specialists and neurologists are specialized medical practitioners who can diagnose early signs of vertigo. Early detection of disequilibrium helps to treat the same quickly and efficiently.
- One must follow recommended medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modification and diet regime.
- Work on building self-confidence and will-power that support you to go through the vertigo treatment and also helps a great deal in recovering.
5. Home remedies are enough to control vertigo
To some extent, home remedies do work in reducing the discomfort caused due to vertigo; such as nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue etc. But dizziness does have severe symptoms sometimes, like fainting, migraine, numbness in any part of the body, diminished cognitive ability, hearing loss etc., where quick medical intervention is necessary.
Ginger, vitamin D supplements, adequate hydration, rest, replenishing micronutrients through diet or supplements, other herbal supplements work to improve the balance disorder symptoms and discomfort. Always, consult your doctor before taking vitamin or herbal supplements or opting for herbal remedies such as ginger, Ginko Biloba and other such natural cures.
6. Vertigo subsides on its own
It is important to diagnose the underlying cause of vertigo to understand how to treat it. If the triggering factors of vertigo are inadequate rest, stress, medication, dehydration etc. dizziness does subside on its own when these things you take care of these things. If the reasons are something more in-depth, one needs medical treatment so that the condition does not worsen and become chronic.
7. Vertigo is labyrinthitis
Labyrinthitis is a medical condition caused by inflammation of the labyrinth of the inner ear. Labyrinthitis is one of the causes of vertigo in which vertigo and hearing loss are seen.
As mentioned earlier in the post, vertigo is a balance disorder indicating a medical condition that needs attention.
8. Vertigo is a problem with brain
Disequilibrium can occur due to a problem with the brain (central nervous system), vestibular (inner ear), circulatory issues, tumour or others.
Majority of the vertigo issues arise out of vestibular or inner ear disorders, which need medication, therapy, surgery or devices as part of the treatment.
9. Vertigo does not affect hearing
Many a times vertigo is the result of a disturbance in the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for balance and hearing. Vertigo affects hearing ability depending on the internal ear problem. In Meniere’s disease and Labyrinthitis, the hearing ability gets affected.
10. Vertigo in old age is common
No, it is not. Vertigo can be seen in all age groups. Studies point out that vertigo can affect anyone irrespective of age groups. But it is important to treat older people having balance problems as there is a risk of fall which may prove dangerous and sometimes life-threatening.
Hope the post helped you clear your confusion about vertigo. For further information on what are the medical conditions that cause dizziness and how to treat it, explore NeuroEquilibrium Vertigo Clinics.
Many think that vertigo is a fear of heights. It is not true! Vertigo is a spinning sensation or a feeling of false motion as if the entire world around you is spinning or you are moving. There are various medical reasons why vertigo or dizziness occur. A vertigo attack may occur any time of the day, at any place, not only at heights although heights may make a person feel more unsteady.
Vertigo is actually a symptom of fever or a headache, of an underlying disease. Vestibular issues, problems with the nervous system, hypotension, diabetes, anaemia and various other medical conditions can cause balance disorders. Vertigo by itself is not a disease. When one neglects the medical condition underlying vertigo, it may become chronic.
Get treatment for vertigo as soon as you encounter it. Treating vertigo at the onset is better.
Lightheadedness is a feeling of fainting and usually subside when one lies down. Vertigo, on the other hand, is a feeling of motion when you are not moving at all. Vertigo is also felt as tilting or swaying.
Most frequently, reasons of vertigo are its underlying medical conditions, whereas, lightheadedness may occur due to the side effect of medication, weakness, anxiety, allergy etc.
People who suffer vertigo also get lightheaded. Experiencing lightheadedness is quite common, and it goes away once you discontinue the triggering issues.
There is a general misunderstanding in vertigo sufferers that dizziness does not have a treatment, and they have to live with it lifelong. However, vertigo is treatable. These tips serve as valuable pointers for vertigo patients
- Seek medical intervention as soon as you notice there is a balance issue with you, repeatedly.
- Approach the right doctor. Neuro-otologists, ENT specialists and neurologists are specialized medical practitioners who can diagnose early signs of vertigo. Early detection of disequilibrium helps to treat the same quickly and efficiently.
- One must follow recommended medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modification and diet regime.
- Work on building self-confidence and will-power that support you to go through the vertigo treatment and also helps a great deal in recovering.
To some extent, home remedies do work in reducing the discomfort caused due to vertigo; such as nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue etc. But dizziness does have severe symptoms sometimes, like fainting, migraine, numbness in any part of the body, diminished cognitive ability, hearing loss etc., where quick medical intervention is necessary.
Ginger, vitamin D supplements, adequate hydration, rest, replenishing micronutrients through diet or supplements, other herbal supplements work to improve the balance disorder symptoms and discomfort. Always, consult your doctor before taking vitamin or herbal supplements or opting for herbal remedies such as ginger, Ginko Biloba and other such natural cures.
It is important to diagnose the underlying cause of vertigo to understand how to treat it. If the triggering factors of vertigo are inadequate rest, stress, medication, dehydration etc. dizziness does subside on its own when these things you take care of these things. If the reasons are something more in-depth, one needs medical treatment so that the condition does not worsen and become chronic.
Labyrinthitis is a medical condition caused by inflammation of the labyrinth of the inner ear. Labyrinthitis is one of the causes of vertigo in which vertigo and hearing loss are seen.
As mentioned earlier in the post, vertigo is a balance disorder indicating a medical condition that needs attention.
Disequilibrium can occur due to a problem with the brain (central nervous system), vestibular (inner ear), circulatory issues, tumour or others.
Majority of the vertigo issues arise out of vestibular or inner ear disorders, which need medication, therapy, surgery or devices as part of the treatment.
Many a times vertigo is the result of a disturbance in the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for balance and hearing. Vertigo affects hearing ability depending on the internal ear problem. In Meniere’s disease and Labyrinthitis, the hearing ability gets affected.
No, it is not. Vertigo can be seen in all age groups. Studies point out that vertigo can affect anyone irrespective of age groups. But it is important to treat older people having balance problems as there is a risk of fall which may prove dangerous and sometimes life-threatening.
Hope the post helped you clear your confusion about vertigo. For further information on what are the medical conditions that cause dizziness and how to treat it, explore NeuroEquilibrium Vertigo Clinics.
Dr. Anita Bhandari
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You need not suffer in silence now. You need not accept vertigo as ‘something you have to live with’. There is a way to cure vertigo, dizziness and any other balancing issues you are facing. Live a stable and vibrant life.
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