DefinePK

Description

Vertigo:

*Definition:*
A sensation of spinning, dizziness, or loss of balance, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and difficulty walking.

*Types:*
1. Peripheral Vertigo: Originates from inner ear problems.
2. Central Vertigo: Related to brain or spinal cord issues.
3. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Brief episodes triggered by head movements.
4. Meniere's Disease: Inner ear disorder causing vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus.
5. Vestibular Migraine: Migraine-related vertigo.

*Causes:*
1. Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis)
2. Head or neck injuries
3. Benign tumors (acoustic neuroma)
4. Migraines
5. Earwax buildup or blockages
6. Age-related vestibular decline
7. Certain medications
8. Viral or bacterial infections

*Symptoms:*
1. Spinning or rotating sensation
2. Dizziness or lightheadedness
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Difficulty walking or balance
5. Hearing loss or tinnitus
6. Headaches or migraines
7. Blurred vision
8. Sweating or anxiety

*Diagnosis:*
1. Medical history
2. Physical examination (Romberg test, Dix-Hallpike maneuver)
3. Imaging tests (MRI, CT scan)
4. Electronystagmography (ENG)
5. Vestibular testing (VNG, VEMP)

*Treatment:*

*Medications:*
1. Antivert (meclizine)
2. Dramamine (dimenhydrinate)
3. Betahistine
4. Anti-nausea medications

*Therapy:*
1. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)
2. Canalith repositioning procedure (CRP)
3. Brandt-Daroff exercises
4. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

*Lifestyle Changes:*
1. Avoid triggers (certain head movements)
2. Improve balance and stability
3. Reduce stress
4. Regular exercise
5. Healthy sleep habits

*When to Seek Medical Attention:*
1. Sudden, severe vertigo
2. Vertigo with weakness, numbness, or paralysis
3. Vertigo with vision changes or double vision
4. Persistent or worsening symptoms
5. Difficulty walking or standing

*Recent Research:*
1. Studies on vestibular rehabilitation therapy
2. Advances in inner ear implant technology
3. Investigation of novel treatments (transcranial magnetic stimulation)