Vertigo
Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition itself. It's the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning.
This feeling may be barely noticeable, or it may be so severe thatyou find it difficult to keep your balance and do everyday tasks.
Attacks of vertigo can develop suddenly and last for a few seconds, or they may last much longer. If you have severe vertigo, your symptoms may be constant and last for several days, making normal life very difficult.
Other symptoms associated with vertigo may include:
You should see you GP if you have persistent signs of vertigo or it keeps coming back.
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and can carry out a simple examination to help determinesome types ofvertigo. They may also refer you for further tests.
However, some people have repeated episodes for many months, or even years, such as those with Mnire's disease.
There are specific treatments for some causes of vertigo. A series of simple head movements (known as theEpley manoeuvre) is used to treat BPPV.
Medicines, such as prochlorperazine and some antihistamines ,can help in the early stages or most cases of vertigo.
Many people with vertigo also benefit from vestibular rehabilitation training (VRT), whichis aseries of exercises for people with dizziness and balance problems.
Your GP or the specialist treating you may advise youto:
The term vertigo is often incorrectly used to describe a fear of heights. The medical term for a fear of heights and the dizzy feeling associated with looking down from a high place is "acrophobia".
for advice andinformation.
Vertigo is a symptom, rather than a condition in itself. It's the sensation that you, or the environment around you, is moving or spinning.
Vertigo is a symptom of several different conditions.
Your GP will ask you about your symptoms and carry out some simple tests to help differentiate between vertigo and general dizziness.
Treatment for vertigo will depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms.