WHAT IS VERTIGO AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?

Though there are different types of Vertigo, they are all caused by issues with the inner ear.

One type is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, which can be caused by a build-up of small particles of calcium in the inner ear. Another cause can be Vestibular neuritis, which is an infection in the nerves of the inner ear. Meniere’s disease can also be the culprit, causing fluid retention in the inner ear. Vertigo is marked by a dizziness that will not abate. You may feel off-balance or like you are spinning, or even that everything else is moving. This can give you the feeling of being pulled in one direction and can make it difficult to keep your balance.

Dizziness is the most common symptom of Vertigo, but did you know there are other symptoms as well?

Symptoms and Side Effects of Vertigo

Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is another common symptom that can accompany Vertigo. At first the ringing or buzzing sounds may only be in conjunction with episodes of Vertigo, but some people experience an escalation as the noise becomes more intense and continual.

Migraines can be a symptom of Vertigo, and they can be caused by fluid or calcium particle build-up in the inner ear.

Nausea can also accompany Vertigo (as well as migraines), as you feel off-balance or as if you are spinning. In severe cases, vomiting can result.

Eye twitching, also called nystagmus, can be a symptom of Vertigo. Stress and fatigue can cause the eyelid muscles to spasm for hours or even days. Rest will most often relieve this symptom.

Hearing loss may follow episodes of Vertigo, especially if it is caused by Meniere’s disease. Low-frequency, progressive hearing loss in a single ear is commonly experienced in these cases. Additionally you may find your hearing loses quality: becoming tinny or even experiencing pain with loud noises. Ultimately if progression continues, deafness in one ear can result.

Panic Attacks can occur as a result of anxiety from not knowing when the next episode of Vertigo will occur.

Sweating is a common side effect of Vertigo as well. Vertigo attacks can cause sweating because they often cause panic, which results in sweating, as well as chills.

Fatigue can also be a result of Vertigo, because the state of feeling constantly unbalanced can be physically exhausting. The uncertainty of when an episode may occur can also cause worry and mental stress that can make a person tired.

Ear pressure, or a feeling of “fullness” inside of the ear, also called Aural Fullness, can be caused by barometric shifts and be an accompanying sign of Vertigo. This can sometimes be triggered by pressure changes, such as when ascending or descending in an airplane.

Vertigo is often temporary, but if there is an underlying condition that is causing it, that should be addressed to resolve or alleviate the issue. Seeing your doctor to determine the cause is necessary to know what treatment is needed. A visit to your audiologist for a hearing screening is also important to ensure your hearing is not affected.

Here at California Hearing Center we are committed to your hearing health. Call us today to set up an appointment for a hearing screening.

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