Symptoms of Vertigo
Symptoms of vertigo can be very frustrating and can be very scary. Fortunately, there are treatments available for the condition.
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
Approximately 20% of people who have dizziness or balance problems have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) at some point in their lives. BPPV is an inner ear disorder that causes short episodes of vertigo. These symptoms are typically mild and last less than a minute. However, they can also be debilitating and lead to injury. Fortunately, BPPV can be treated. Several physical therapy exercises can help reduce the symptoms.
BPPV is often caused by a sudden change in head position. For example, if you are lying on your back and suddenly turn over, you may experience vertigo. The sensation of spinning may be so intense that you feel as though you are falling through the floor. You might also feel like you are being thrown into the bed, and you may also have nausea or vomiting.
Although BPPV is most common in older adults, it can happen to anyone. Its symptoms are usually not serious, and a healthcare provider can diagnose it during an office visit. The doctor will ask about your health and history of dizziness and then watch for telltale signs of nystagmus, or rhythmic eye movements.
A diagnostic test called the Dix-Hallpike test can be used to detect BPPV. The test involves tilting the patient’s head 90 degrees to the side while he is lying down. A positive reaction means that the diagnosis is accurate.
Another test is called the Epley maneuver. This test is designed to move calcium carbonate particles out of the semicircular canals. Normally, these particles are part of a fluid that surrounds the ear. When they become dislodged, they resorb and move, giving the brain incorrect messages that the head is turning.
The most effective treatment for BPPV is physical therapy. The doctor may show you exercises you can do at home. These exercises aim to remove the calcium carbonate particles from the inner ear.
Cholesteatoma
During the course of chronic suppurative otitis media, a cholesteatoma can develop, which is a very common intratemporal complication. It can be associated with various symptoms such as suppurative labyrinthitis, vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. This condition is usually accompanied by a foul-smelling discharge.
Amongst the many complications associated with cholesteatoma, a labyrinthine fistula is one of the most common. This is a semicircular canal in which the underlying endosteum becomes swollen and perforated, allowing for the pressure-induced motion of the ear drum. It is also a good way to see if there is any abnormal communication between the middle and inner ear.
Despite the potential risks, the cholesteatoma can be effectively treated. This is done with a combination of surgical removal of the tumor and hearing preservation. Aside from its aforementioned effects, removing the cholesteatoma matrix from the fistula site has shown promise in postoperative hearing outcomes.
A cholesteatoma is often associated with hearing loss and a perforated tympanic membrane, as well as a foul-smelling discharge. The symptoms can be ascribed to the proliferation of inflammatory mediators from the tumor. Hence, heedful clinical evaluation of this condition is critical.
The best treatment for cholesteatoma is complete removal of the tumor, followed by hearing preservation. If this is not an option, then the following measures can be employed: analgesic therapy, topical steroid drops, antibiotics, a ventilation tube, and otoscope-assisted drainage.
The most important thing to remember when managing a cholesteatoma is that a heedful clinical examination is essential. This is the only way to be sure that you are not missing a disease that could be preventing your patient from enjoying life to its fullest.
The aforementioned is only the most basic of the three symptoms of cholesteatoma. The other two, otorrhoea and vertigo, are more complex in their manifestations.
Perilymphatic fistula
Symptoms of vertigo due to perilymphatic fistula include tinnitus, fluctuating hearing, disequilibrium, and dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. If left untreated, the symptoms could become debilitating. A timely diagnosis and treatment can help you prevent permanent hearing loss.
During the initial exam, the doctor will assess your medical history and perform a neurological examination. He or she will also ask about any medication you are taking. The doctor may recommend further bed rest and/or blood patch injections. If your symptoms do not improve, a surgical exploration of your ear might be required.
In some cases, you may be diagnosed with a perilymphatic fistula after a middle ear injury. Usually, these fistulas occur after a sudden pressure change. These changes can be caused by a traumatic event, such as head injury, barotrauma, or scuba diving.
A perilymphatic fistula is a tear in the membranes that separate the inner ear from the middle ear. The tear allows fluid to leak from the inner ear into the middle ear. In some cases, the fistula heals on its own. Other patients will require blood patch injections to repair the damaged membrane.
The fistula is a relatively rare condition. It can develop after intense atmospheric pressure changes, such as barotrauma, scuba diving, and other traumatic events. It is also sometimes caused by chronic ear infections.
A fistula test is a diagnostic test that helps your physician diagnose a perilymphatic fistula. A fistula test records pressure on each ear while observing eye movements. If the eyes move abnormally, it is an indication of damage to the inner ear. The fistula test is often performed in conjunction with other diagnostic tests.
Otosclerosis
Approximately one-third of patients with otosclerosis present with vertigo and otosclerosis symptoms. They may be giddy, uncomfortable, or unable to track moving objects.
Otosclerosis is a metabolic bone disease characterized by the abnormal removal of mature bone by osteoclasts. It has a predilection for fissula ante fenestrum and is associated with asymmetric conductive hearing loss. Otosclerosis affects both the vestibule and semicircular canals.
Otosclerosis is a very common cause of progressive hearing loss in Caucasians. Approximately 25% of otosclerosis patients have vestibular symptoms. The pathogenesis of vestibular symptoms is still somewhat of a mystery.
The most common vestibular symptom is dizziness. The diagnosis of otosclerosis is usually based on family history and clinical examination. Various tests of vestibular function are of interest in patients with otosclerosis.
Among the vexing questions is how to perform a test that is as effective as possible. This study investigates the efficacy of VEMPs in the context of otosclerosis. The authors report on the results of a preliminary study, which is based on a cellular concept of otospongiosis.
The air-conducted tone-burst evaluation of VEMP thresholds can be used to narrow down the differential diagnosis in patients with suspected otosclerosis. The result of this test can be correlated with pure tone audiometry.
The study also describes the technique and postoperative care of a stapedectomy. It is clear that the authors believe the SHAMBAUGH research, but they also discuss their own personal techniques and care. The results of this study have shown that VEMPs can be a useful diagnostic tool in otosclerosis.
The study also showed that VEMPs are not limited to the saccule. A small number of ears affected with otosclerosis exhibited a VEMP, which can be a useful supplementary confirmation of the diagnosis.
Meniere’s disease
Symptoms of Meniere’s disease include ringing in the ear, dizziness, and tinnitus. Patients may also have difficulty driving and interacting with others.
The main cause of Meniere’s disease is an abnormal buildup of fluid in the inner ear. This causes a buildup of calcium particles, which interfere with the body’s balance and hearing mechanisms.
Meniere’s disease can be diagnosed with a series of tests. The tests involve performing balance tests and electrocochleography. These tests determine how well the inner ear functions.
There are also auditory brainstem response tests that check the function of the hearing nerves in the brain. These tests can help the doctor determine whether the patient has Meniere’s disease or another inner ear disorder.
A rotary chair test involves the patient sitting in a computer-controlled chair and moving slowly around a circular path. This test checks how the patient balances under various conditions.
There are medications that are prescribed for Meniere’s disease to reduce the severity of the symptoms. These medicines can ease dizziness, tinnitus, and nausea. Other medicines can control the fluid in the ear.
A low-salt diet can also help to lessen the frequency of dizziness episodes. These medications can be used along with vestibular rehabilitation exercises to improve the patient’s balance.
Other treatments for Meniere’s disease include surgery and behavioral therapy. These treatments can lessen the number of episodes of vertigo, but they will not cure the disease.
It is important to be informed of Meniere’s disease. This information will give patients the confidence to seek treatment. If you think you have the disease, contact an ENT clinic.
While there is no known cure for Meniere’s disease, many people experience relief from their symptoms with medical treatment.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
