vertigo procedure preparation

Overview

Vertigo is a feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, even when you are still. It is a symptom, not a disease, and often relates to problems in the inner ear or the brain.

Yes, vertigo is common. About 1 in 10 people will experience vertigo at some point in their lives, and it becomes more frequent with age.

Vertigo can affect people of any age, but it is more common in adults over 40. It affects slightly more women than men.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A spinning or moving sensation
• Feeling unsteady or off-balance
• Nausea or vomiting
• Sweating
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the ear

Symptoms in children

• Children may feel the same spinning sensation but often find it harder to explain. They may feel dizzy, stumble, go pale, or feel sick.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may be more likely to feel unsteady on their feet, which raises the risk of falls. The spinning sensation can be less obvious, and they may just feel fuzzy or light-headed.

Causes

Main causes

• Positional vertigo (calcium particles that move in the inner ear)
• Vestibular neuritis (inflammation of a nerve in the inner ear)
• Meniere's disease (a build-up of fluid in the inner ear)
• Migraine (vestibular migraine)
• Trauma to the head or neck
• Rarely, a stroke or brain problem

Risk factors

• Being over 50
• A previous head injury
• A viral infection that affects the ear
• Stress or anxiety
• Long periods of bed rest or inactivity
• High blood pressure, diabetes, or other conditions that affect blood flow

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have vertigo with chest pain, difficulty speaking, weakness, or vision loss, seek emergency care.
• If you have a head injury and then develop vertigo, go to the emergency department.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have repeated episodes of vertigo that are not severe but worry you, make an appointment with your GP (general practitioner).
• If your vertigo lasts longer than a few days or stops you from doing everyday tasks, see a healthcare provider.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will take a careful history of your symptoms and may examine your ears, eyes, and balance. They may perform simple bedside tests, such as making you move your head in certain ways to see if it triggers dizziness.

Tests that may be done

• Hearing tests
• Vestibular (balance) tests
• Blood tests
• Imaging scans such as an MRI or CT scan, if a brain problem is suspected
• Video nystagmography (VNG) – a test that records eye movements

What to expect at your appointment

You might be asked to wear goggles, sit in a special chair, or have water or air placed in your ear as part of balance tests. These tests can feel strange but are usually not painful. They help your specialist understand exactly why you feel dizzy.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of your vertigo. It may include repositioning exercises, balance training, lifestyle measures, or medications to reduce dizziness. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a short course of an antibiotic if a bacterial ear infection is present, but most viral infections settle without specific medicine.

Self-care at home

• Move your head slowly and avoid sudden changes in position
• Sit down when you feel dizzy and hold onto a stable surface
• Ensure good lighting when you get up at night
• Avoid lying on your back if that triggers your vertigo
• Stay hydrated and eat regular meals
• Try to reduce stress and get enough sleep

Medical treatments

Doctors may prescribe medicines that calm the inner ear or treat migraine if that is the cause. These are used short-term to help you manage symptoms while your body recovers. Never take medicines for vertigo without a doctor’s prescription, and always discuss side effects with your pharmacist.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for vertigo. It may be considered for severe, disabling vertigo that does not improve with other treatments, for example when an abnormality in the inner ear causes repeated attacks. Your ENT specialist will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

Living with this condition

If you live with vertigo, make simple changes to your daily routine. Plan your movements, avoid rushing, and use a handrail on stairs. Keep a diary of when your vertigo happens – it can help your doctor spot triggers.

Lifestyle tips

• Do not smoke, as smoking can affect circulation and the inner ear
• Limit caffeine and alcohol if they seem to make your symptoms worse
• If you are prone to falls, consider a walking stick or grab rails
• When you feel an episode starting, stop what you are doing and sit down safely

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with regular meals helps keep your blood sugar stable, which can reduce dizziness. Gentle exercise such as walking, yoga, or tai chi can improve your balance and confidence, but you should avoid jumping or sudden head movements until you know what triggers you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with vertigo can be frightening and stressful. It is normal to feel anxious or frustrated, especially if the episodes come without warning. Talk to your healthcare professional about your feelings – they can support you or refer you to a counselor. If you feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a mental health crisis service or your local emergency number immediately.

Prevention

Vertigo cannot always be prevented, especially if it is caused by an underlying condition. However, you can reduce your risk of falls by keeping your home safe, wearing appropriate footwear, and maintaining good physical fitness. If your vertigo is triggered by specific head movements, you can learn techniques to do them more safely.

Complications

If left untreated

• Falls and injuries, especially in older adults
• A higher risk of car accidents if you drive while dizzy
• Withdrawal from work and social activities
• Anxiety and depression from constant dizziness

Long-term outlook

Most people with vertigo get better with treatment and time. The cause can often be treated, and many people learn to manage their symptoms very well. Even when an underlying cause like Meniere’s disease is present, there are many strategies to help you live well.

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