vertigo X ray explained

Overview

Vertigo is a symptom where you feel that you or the world around you is spinning, even when you are still. It is often caused by problems in the inner ear or, less commonly, the brain. An X-ray is an imaging test that looks at bones and dense tissues, but it is not the typical or useful test for vertigo because it does not clearly show the inner ear or the brain.

Vertigo is fairly common. About 1 in 10 people will experience some form of vertigo at least once in their life.

Vertigo can affect people of all ages, but it is more common in adults over 60 and slightly more common in women than in men.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A spinning or swaying sensation
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Loss of balance or unsteadiness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Headache
• Ringing in the ears or hearing changes

Symptoms in children

• Children may describe feeling 'woozy' or 'spinny'
• Trouble walking or stumbling
• Pale appearance or sweating
• Complaining of ear pain or a full feeling in the ear
• Crying or being unusually fussy

Symptoms in older adults

• A higher risk of falling or stumbling
• Feeling unsteady even when sitting
• Reluctance to move or walk for fear of falling
• Loss of confidence when moving around the house

Causes

Main causes

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), caused by tiny crystals in the inner ear moving out of place
• Infections like labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, often after a viral illness
• Meniere's disease, a condition that affects the inner ear with fluid pressure changes
• Migraine-related vertigo
• In rare cases, brain problems such as a tumor or stroke
• Anxiety or stress that can trigger dizziness

Risk factors

• Head injury
• Recent viral or ear infection
• Aging, especially over 60
• Family history of vertigo or inner ear problems
• High stress levels or anxiety

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have vertigo with sudden weakness, numbness, trouble speaking, or vision loss, call your local emergency number now.
• If you have vertigo after a recent head injury, seek urgent care.
• If you cannot stop vomiting or feel like you might faint, get urgent medical help.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have repeated episodes of vertigo that last more than a few minutes
• If vertigo interferes with your daily activities or work
• If you have hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or ear pain with dizziness
• If you want a proper diagnosis because self-help has not worked

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medicines you take. They will do a physical exam, especially checking your eyes, ears, and balance. They may move your head and body or ask you to lie down to see if that brings on the spinning. X-rays are not typically part of this process. If needed, the doctor may order an MRI or CT scan to look at your brain and internal structures.

Tests that may be done

• Physical examination including looking at your eye movements
• Hearing tests to check for inner ear problems
• Balance tests such as posturography or electronystagmography
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan of the brain, if the doctor suspects a serious cause

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor may deliberately trigger your vertigo during the exam to see what happens. This can be uncomfortable but is short-lived and helps identify the cause. Be ready to describe in detail when the dizziness started, how long it lasts, and what makes it better or worse.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what is causing your vertigo. Many cases get better on their own. Some people need specific exercises or lifestyle changes, and others may need medicine or further testing.

Self-care at home

• Move your head slowly and avoid sudden turns or changes in position
• Rest in a quiet, dimly lit room until the spinning settles
• Use a cane, walker, or hold onto walls when you feel unsteady
• Avoid reading, looking at screens, or bright lights during an episode
• Drink water slowly and eat light meals to avoid nausea

Medical treatments

A doctor may suggest certain medications to reduce dizziness or nausea, but they will choose the one that is right for you. They may also recommend specific physical therapy exercises like the Epley maneuver for BPPV, which helps reposition displaced crystals in the ear. Balance retraining or vestibular rehabilitation with a qualified therapist can be very effective.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for vertigo. It is only considered when vertigo is caused by a serious underlying issue such as a tumor, or when all other treatments have failed and symptoms are disabling.

Living with this condition

Take your time when standing up from sitting or lying down. Hold onto rails on stairs and install grab bars in the bathroom. Keep your home well-lit and clear of clutter to reduce your risk of falls.

Lifestyle tips

• Get enough sleep and avoid becoming overtired
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
• Stay well hydrated, especially in hot weather
• Limit caffeine, alcohol, and salty foods, as they can trigger symptoms in some people

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with regular meals can help keep your blood sugar steady and reduce dizziness. Gentle exercises like walking, tai chi, or yoga can improve your balance over time. Avoid sudden or jerky movements during exercise until you feel stable.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with dizziness or vertigo can cause anxiety, low mood, or feelings of helplessness. It is normal to worry about when the spinning will happen again. If you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you find mental health support. If you ever feel in crisis, reach out to a crisis helpline or go to the nearest emergency department.

Prevention

Not all vertigo can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by protecting your head from injury, treating ear infections promptly, and avoiding known triggers where possible. If you have BPPV, moving your head slowly and avoiding rapid head turns can help.

Vaccines

Staying up to date with recommended vaccines can help prevent some viral infections that might lead to vertigo, such as viruses that cause inner ear inflammation. Talk to your healthcare provider about what vaccines are recommended for you.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for vertigo in healthy people. But if you have balance problems or other symptoms, your doctor may recommend hearing or balance tests to screen for underlying issues.

Complications

If left untreated

• Falls and related injuries, such as fractures or head injury
• Reduced ability to work, drive, or carry out daily tasks
• Anxiety, depression, or fear of moving
• In rare cases, an underlying serious condition like a stroke might be missed if you delay care

Long-term outlook

The outlook for vertigo is generally good. Most people recover within days to weeks, and even chronic vertigo can be managed well with the right treatment. Many people find that their symptoms get less severe over time. You can expect a better outcome if you work with your doctor to find the cause and follow their advice.

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