Dizziness could be serious

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is the medical term for dizziness. It is a disturbance where a person experiences a feeling of movement in space (subjective vertigo), or a sensation that the objects are (the ones) moving around him/her (objective vertigo). Vertigo is usually accompanied by loss of equilibrium or balance.

What are the causes of vertigo?

True vertigo, as distinguished from lightheadedness, faintness or other forms of dissiness is caused by disturbance in the apparatus that maintains our body equilibrium (balance): the semicircular canal in our ear, the vestibular nerve, our braintem and our eyes. We normally feel a little out of balance when we close our eyes while standing still or walking.

What conditions of factors affect this apparatus?

Motion sickness, hysteria, Otitis Media (ear infection), obstructed ear canal, eye problems, Meniere’s syndrome, intake of sedative or alcohol, multiple sclerosis and other nerve diseases, brain tumor, anemia, leukemia, and slow heart rate are some of the factors or conditions that cause vertigo.

Why the lightheadedness when we suddenly get up?

This common condition of feeling a bit dizzy when getting up suddenly from a sitting position is called Postural Hypotension or Orthostatic Hypotension. Hypotension means low blood pressure. Postural means positional, and Orthostatic means standing straight. The reason for feeling faint in the sudden change of position from sitting to standing is the blood is pulled down away from the brain by gravity, when one suddenly stands up. Going up on a fast elevator has the same hemodynamic effect. This is one of the reasons why Senator John Glenn and his fellow astronauts were in a lying down position in the capsule (and not standing) as it zooms up in space, to prevent severe postural hypotension.

What is Meniere’s syndrome?

This disease is characterized by sudden episodes of dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ear), progressive deafness, accompanied by persistent nausea and vomiting. The vertigo persists for days or weeks, usually caused by vestibular neuronitis (inflammation of the vestibular nerve, the 8th nerve).

Why does a slow heart rate cause dizziness or passing out?

Bradycardia (heart rate below 60) may not be tolerated by some people (normal heart rate being 60 to 100 pulse beats per minutes), causing them to feel dizzy or faint, or even passing out. The mechanism here is the slow heart rate means the heart is pumping or beating only 59 or less, and not enough blood goes up to the brain, resulting in fainting spells. Althletes or people who are physically conditioned, however, have a slower heart rate, some below 60, and tolerate this very well. As a matter of fact, this condition is healtier, because the heart does not have to work as hard as when it has to pump more than 60 beats a minute.

Can anxiety cause vertigo?

Yes, anxiety or anxiety neurosis or depression can cause a feeling of experiencing vertigo. This condition can cause almost any symptoms. However, in anxiety neurosis (psychoneurosis) it is more of giddiness or fear of losing one’s balance while walking, rather than actual or true vertigo itself.

How about motion, sea- or air-sickness?

These are a variety of vertiginous conditions that are common among those with very sensitive or “weak” labyrinthine (equilibrium) apparatus. Some people are born this way. Others can tolerate (and even enjoy, without vertigo,) fast carnival rides, like the high speed roller-coasters, twirling, turning and even upside down, because they have inherently strong labyrinthine apparatus. Astronauts, pilots, circus jugglers, high-rise construction workers, fast dancers, etc are other examples.

Is prolonged motion sickness serious?

Yes, prolonged or excessive motion sickness, which is accompanied by vomiting may lead to dehydration, fall in the blood pressure (shock), loss of body mass, and even depression. History recorded such ordeals experienced by people, especially slaves, with poor vestibular apparatus, who were transported by ships from one country to another on journeys that took several months.

How can one prevent sea- or air-sickness?

Persons who are susceptible should choose to sit (on airplanes) over the wing section, and on a ship, in the midsection. Lying down or on a reclined position, with the head braced on a pillow, is best. Avoid reading and avoid alcohol intake. A very light diet helps. And so with avoiding looking at the waves while traveling by water. A well-ventilated cabin and going out on deck for fresh air help. To minimize or prevent motion sickness, your physician can prescribe “anti-vertigo” or “anti-motion sickness” pills or patch.

Occasional dizziness may be due to dehydration, following a lot of sweating and not inadequate fluid intake. For persistent vertigo (of more than a few days), it is prudent and best to consult your physician to rule out the possibility of an existing health condition, which could range from simple to serious. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the sooner the treatment can be initiated and the better the chances are for a successful cure or prevention of complications or a more serious stage of the disease.

*The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people, especially parents, whose way of life inevitably impacts the health of their children, to live a healthy lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities, and achieve a happier and more productive life for themselves and for their offspring. My articles are general medical information for the public and not intended to be applicable to, or appropriate for, anyone. The data, statistics, and personal commentaries presented here are not a substitute for, or inferred to be superior to, the professional opinion and recommendation of your physician, who knows your total condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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