What are the different types of vertigo?

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What are the different types of vertigo?

Different Types of Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can be caused by various conditions. Here are the main types:

1. Peripheral Vertigo

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):
- Cause: Small calcium crystals in the inner ear.
- Symptoms: Brief episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position.
Meniere’s Disease:
- Cause: Fluid buildup in the inner ear.
- Symptoms: Vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Vestibular Neuritis/Labyrinthitis:
- Cause: Viral infection causing inflammation of the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
- Symptoms: Sudden, severe vertigo, nausea, and balance issues.

2. Central Vertigo

Migrainous Vertigo (Vestibular Migraine):
- Cause: Migraine activity in the brain affecting the vestibular system.
- Symptoms: Vertigo, headaches, sensitivity to light and sound, visual disturbances.
Stroke:
- Cause: Disruption of blood flow to the brain.
- Symptoms: Sudden vertigo, imbalance, coordination problems, and other neurological deficits.
Multiple Sclerosis:
- Cause: Immune system attacks the protective sheath of nerves.
- Symptoms: Vertigo, balance issues, visual disturbances, and other neurological symptoms.

3. Other Types

Cervicogenic Vertigo:
- Cause: Neck disorders or injuries.
- Symptoms: Dizziness and vertigo associated with neck pain or stiffness.
Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS):
- Cause: Prolonged exposure to motion (e.g., after a cruise or long flight).
- Symptoms: Persistent sensation of rocking or swaying.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis: Involves medical history, physical examination, and tests like the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, MRI, or CT scans.
Treatment: Depends on the type and cause; may include medications (vestibular suppressants, antiemetics), physical therapy (vestibular rehabilitation), lifestyle changes, or surgery in severe cases.

Understanding the type of vertigo is crucial for effective treatment and management. If you experience persistent or severe vertigo, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

References

How is vertigo diagnosed in India?

Diagnosing Vertigo in India

Diagnosing vertigo involves a comprehensive approach, including patient history, physical examinations, and various diagnostic tests. Here’s an in-depth look at the process:

1. Detailed Medical History

Symptom Description:
- Duration and Frequency: Patients describe how long episodes last and how often they occur.
- Triggers: Identifying specific movements or situations that trigger vertigo.
- Associated Symptoms: Documenting symptoms like nausea, vomiting, hearing loss, or headaches.
Medical and Family History:
- Past Illnesses: Reviewing past medical conditions, surgeries, or head injuries.
- Family History: Checking for hereditary conditions that might contribute to vertigo.

2. Physical Examination

Neurological Examination:
- Cranial Nerves: Testing the function of cranial nerves.
- Coordination and Balance: Assessing gait, coordination, and balance through various exercises.
- Eye Movements: Checking for abnormal eye movements (nystagmus), which can indicate inner ear or brain issues.
Head and Neck Examination:
- Head Movement Tests: Identifying vertigo caused by head movements, such as in BPPV.

3. Specific Diagnostic Tests

Dix-Hallpike Maneuver:
- Purpose: To diagnose BPPV.
- Procedure: The patient is quickly moved from a sitting to a lying position with their head turned to one side, observing for nystagmus and vertigo symptoms.
Head Impulse Test:
- Purpose: To assess vestibulo-ocular reflex.
- Procedure: Rapid head movements while the patient focuses on a stationary object.
Romberg Test:
- Purpose: To evaluate balance.
- Procedure: The patient stands with feet together and eyes closed, assessing sway or imbalance.
Audiometry:
- Purpose: To check for hearing loss associated with vertigo, such as in Meniere’s disease.

4. Imaging Studies

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging):
- Purpose: To rule out central causes of vertigo, like brain tumors or multiple sclerosis.
- Procedure: Detailed images of brain structures to detect abnormalities.
CT Scan (Computed Tomography):
- Purpose: Used in emergencies to identify acute issues such as bleeding or fractures.

5. Laboratory Tests

Blood Tests:
- Purpose: To check for infections, inflammation, or metabolic disorders that might contribute to vertigo.
Electronystagmography (ENG) and Videonystagmography (VNG):
- Purpose: To measure involuntary eye movements and evaluate the vestibular system.
- Procedure: Tracking eye movements in response to visual stimuli or head movements.

6. Specialized Evaluations

Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP):
- Purpose: To test the function of the inner ear balance organs.
- Procedure: Measuring muscle responses to sound stimuli.
Posturography:
- Purpose: To assess how well a person can maintain balance.
- Procedure: Standing on a platform that measures sway in response to various conditions.

Conclusion

Diagnosing vertigo in India involves a thorough approach, starting with a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by specific diagnostic tests and imaging studies. Identifying the underlying cause of vertigo is crucial for effective treatment and management. Regular follow-ups and comprehensive evaluations help in managing this condition effectively.

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