Myths about dizziness: the truth behind two of the most common

Myth: I’m so dizzy; I must have had a stroke

Truth: There are many causes of dizziness, and not all of them are life-threatening
Benign positional vertigo (BPV) is the most common cause of dizziness. It occurs when the tiny crystals in the inner ear (those responsible for balance) are released and float in the fluids of the inner ear. When the head moves in certain positions, these floaters tickle the balance cells and cause transient vertigo.

There are other causes of dizziness as well. Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear caused by a viral infection or other causes. Its symptoms, which include dizziness, usually last for several hours and then subside.

Meniere’s disease is another cause of dizziness. Although the causes of this condition are varied, symptoms include an excessive buildup of fluid in the inner ear that causes pressure. This results in hearing loss,
congestion in the ear and recurrent debilitating attacks of vertigo that can last for hours.

So how can you tell what’s causing your dizziness? If you have BPV, you are likely to experience vertigo that occurs when looking up, down, or turning in bed and lasts a few seconds.

Labyrinthitis is characterized by violent vertigo with nausea and vomiting lasting hours. There is usually no hearing loss or other ear symptoms, and an attack may be followed by weeks of temporary unsteadiness or vertigo when turning over in bed.

Meniere’s disease is accompanied by recurrent episodes of vertigo, possible nausea, and vomiting lasting 30 minutes to hours. Meniere’s disease is usually accompanied by hearing loss, pressure in the ear, and roaring or ringing in the ear.

Fortunately, all of these conditions can be successfully treated. BPV is treated in the office, where a vestibular therapist performs a maneuver called the Semont Maneuver that moves the crystals away from the balance cells. Ninety percent of patients with vertigo are cured with this treatment, which is sometimes necessary to repeat.

Labyrinthitis is treated with oral medications to reduce feelings of dizziness and fluid replacement for associated nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, hospitalization is required to administer medications intravenously until symptoms subside.

Meniere’s disease is treated with a variety of medications and surgical procedures, all designed to help reduce the frequency of vertigo attacks. Medications used to treat Meniere’s disease include diuretics, circulatory medications, sedatives, and steroids.

Despite these possible causes of dizziness, a stroke cannot be ruled out, as it is also a cause. A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted and brain cells are deprived of oxygen. There are several symptoms of stroke, including

o sudden onset of dizziness or vertigo;

or trouble walking or loss of coordination;

or numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg;

or confusion;

or difficulty with speech; Y

or severe headache.

If any of these symptoms occur suddenly, the person should be rushed to the emergency room for evaluation and treatment. Every minute the brain is deprived of oxygen increases the potential for brain damage, making it imperative that emergency room physicians immediately evaluate suspected stroke.

Myth: My balance is bad because I am getting older and will have to live with it.
Truth: Age is not a factor in maintaining healthy balance function

Its balance mechanism works like a tripod. The three arms of the tripod are the balance channels in the inner ear, sight, and sensations in the joints and muscles of the legs and feet. Sensory messages from three sources are sent to the brain, where they are organized into meaningful information. Based on this information, your brain sends new messages: instructions to your muscles to keep your balance.

There are many causes of dizziness and imbalance. Confused messages, blocked message pathways, or weakness in the brain or tripod limbs can cause imbalance. Other possible reasons include:

o lack of circulation in the balance area of ​​the brain,

o drop in blood pressure when you go from sitting to standing (orthostatic hypotension),

or inner ear disorders,

or vision problems,

or diseases of the bones and joints,

or medication side effects, and

or drug interactions.

Also, an irregular heartbeat or heart condition and neurological diseases can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, or imbalance.

But most balance problems result from a dysfunction in the balance channels of the inner ear. And the dysfunction of two legs of the tripod at the same time makes it even more difficult to balance.

To properly diagnose the cause of your dizziness, you should be evaluated by an ENT specialist. This evaluation includes specialized tests that measure inner ear and balance function. In some cases, it may be necessary to see a neurologist or other medical specialists.

You can notice some basic symptoms yourself and share them with your doctor, helping in the diagnostic process:

o If your imbalance occurs only for a short time when getting out of bed or rising from a sitting position, it may be due to a transient drop in blood pressure.

o Instability or imbalance while walking alone may be related to problems with the balance center of the brain or the balance channels in the inner ear.

o Vision problems can also be due to dizziness or imbalance.

Sometimes there are multiple causes of dizziness, which may require more specialized treatment. But in most cases, dizziness and imbalance can be treated by starting vestibular rehabilitation (VR).

VR is an individualized program of exercises and activities at home designed by a therapist with specialized training in balance disorders. Before starting VR, your musculoskeletal system will be evaluated by testing the strength, coordination, and range of motion of your arms and legs. The therapist will also watch your balance as you walk.

With this information, your therapist can design a program that meets your specific needs. Your progress is then monitored at regular follow-up appointments.

The goal of virtual reality is to decrease dizziness and increase balance function, improving overall daily activity levels. Remember, age is not a factor in maintaining healthy balance function!