Health Education

Vertigo

The human body has three organs that assist in locating your orientation in space:

Your eyes to see the horizon
Your feet to feel the effects of gravity on your body
Your inner ear organs to detect your location in three dimension

Data from all three is fed to your brain. A discrepancy in the data will cause a sensation of vertigo. It is a false sensation of movement. People usually feel that they, their environment or both are spinning. It may be associated with hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing sensation in ear), and headache.

Vertigo is of 2 types

Central – cause in the brain (Central nervous system).
2. Peripheral – cause in the internal ear or balance apparatus, spinal cord.

The need for tests in people with vertigo depends upon the doctor’s evaluation of history and physical examination. Tests for evaluation include Romberg’s test, Audiometry, comprehensive vestibular testing or radiological tests like MRI of brain or HRCT of the temporal bone.

A recent study has shown the role of B12 deficiency as a crucial cause of vertigo. Vertigo is nearly always treated conservatively. Vertigo prevention exercises are also being taught to individuals who have repeated vertigo.