Vertigo

Introduction

Any signs and symptoms of vertigo warrant an evaluation by a doctor. Most vertigo episodes are not harmful. Although vertigo can be debilitating, most causes are easily treated with prescription medication. Have a doctor check any new signs and symptoms of vertigo to rule out potentially serious or life-threatening causes.

The following vertigo symptoms and indicators might need to be assessed in a hospital emergency room:

• Double vision
• Headache
• Weakness
• Difficulty speaking
• Abnormal eye movements
• Changed state of awareness, inappropriate behavior, or trouble rousing
• Difficulty walking or controlling the arms and legs

Self-Care at Home

Home therapy should only be undertaken if you have already been diagnosed with vertigo and are under the supervision of a doctor.

Follow-up

A new diagnosis of vertigo should be followed up on with the patient's physician, or the patient may be directed straight to an ENT or neurologist.

Prevention

Vertigo sufferers who have trouble balancing should take care to avoid getting hurt in a fall.

People who smoke and have high blood pressure or cholesterol are at risk for stroke . They should also address these conditions.

Patient's with Meniere's disease should limit salt in their diet.

Outlook

The prognosis is based on what caused the dizziness.

• Vertigo caused by problems in the inner ear, while usually self-limited, in some cases can become completely incapacitating. The use of drugs and rehabilitation exercise is mainstay of treatment. Most commonly this will make the symptoms completely go away or make the condition tolerable.
• The degree of central nervous system damage determines the prognosis for vertigo resulting from a brain lesion. Vertigo caused by a brain lesion may need emergency evaluation by a neurologist and neurosurgeon