Treatment of dizziness (vertigo)

Dizziness is a disturbance of the sense of balance, in which a person may feel shakiness, instability, or the illusion of movement of surrounding objects. Such a symptom may recur periodically or bother for a long time and always requires clarification of the cause.

At the Oxford Medical medical center, you can undergo comprehensive diagnostics and receive an individual treatment plan in accordance with the established diagnosis. Do not postpone a visit to the doctor if the attacks recur or intensify. Make an appointment for a consultation to establish the cause of dizziness and start treatment in a timely manner.

Dizziness can manifest differently depending on the mechanism of development and the cause of occurrence.

It is impossible to independently determine the type of dizziness, since similar symptoms can occur with different diseases. That is why, with recurring attacks, it is important to undergo an examination in order to establish their cause and start treatment in a timely manner.

The cause of dizziness may be:

• Disorders of the inner ear and vestibular apparatus. They affect the body's ability to maintain balance. Such conditions include positional vestibular disorders, vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, as well as inflammatory processes, in particular otitis.

• Neurological diseases. Dizziness may occur with impaired cerebral blood circulation, consequences of traumatic brain injuries, lesions of the cerebellum, multiple sclerosis, migraine and other conditions. Less often, similar episodes may be associated with such a disease as epilepsy.

• Cardiovascular disorders. If the heart or vessels do not provide stable blood supply to the brain, dizziness and weakness, unsteadiness of gait, darkening in the eyes or a pre-fainting state may occur. Such symptoms may be observed with arrhythmias, fluctuations in blood pressure and other cardiovascular disorders.

• Deficiency and metabolic states. Anemia, low blood glucose level, vitamin B12 deficiency, disorders of the thyroid gland, dehydration or exhaustion may affect well-being and provoke dizziness.

• Psycho-emotional factors. Prolonged stress, panic attacks, anxiety disorders and sleep disturbances may be accompanied by a feeling of unsteadiness of gait, “fog” in the head, heartbeat, lack of air or fear of losing balance.

• Action of medicinal products. Some agents for lowering pressure, sedatives, sleeping pills, anticonvulsants and other drugs may cause dizziness as an adverse reaction. However, it is not allowed to independently cancel the prescribed treatment — this must be agreed with the doctor.

Doctors of “Oxford Medical” explain: symptoms that are the same at first glance may have different origins. Therefore, treatment of dizziness begins not with the prescription of universal drugs, but with the search for the cause that caused it.

Doctors of “Oxford Medical” warn: if sudden dizziness occurs, which is accompanied by speech impairment, weakness in an arm or leg, facial asymmetry, double vision, or a sharp deterioration of coordination, it is necessary to immediately call an ambulance. Such symptoms may indicate an acute disorder of cerebral blood circulation and require emergency medical care.

If an attack of dizziness occurs, it is recommended to:

• sit down or lie down;

• not make sharp movements with the head and not sharply change the position of the body;

• ensure access to fresh air and, if possible, loosen tight clothing;

• drink a little water if there is no pronounced nausea or vomiting;

• if possible, measure blood pressure and pulse;

• remain at rest until well-being improves.

If the condition does not pass, recurs, or is accompanied by speech impairment, weakness in the limbs, severe headache, chest pain, or loss of consciousness, it is necessary to immediately seek medical help.

Dizziness does not always indicate a serious disease, however it should not be ignored. First of all, it is dangerous due to the risk of falling and injuries, especially in older people. In addition, recurring attacks may be a manifestation of diseases that require timely treatment.

Without establishing the cause, the symptom may progress, occur more often, or be accompanied by other disorders. Frequent dizziness can significantly affect everyday life, limit physical activity, worsen working capacity and quality of life.

Diagnostics begins with a consultation with a neurologist, during which he conducts an examination and clarifies complaints. After this, the doctor determines which examinations are necessary to clarify the diagnosis.

May be recommended:

• laboratory blood tests;

• ECG to assess heart function;

• monitoring of blood pressure over several days;

• ultrasound of the vessels of the neck and head according to indications;

• MRI of the head and neck.

A comprehensive examination allows establishing the cause of dizziness and choosing the most effective treatment tactics.

Treatment of dizziness always begins with eliminating the cause that caused it. That is why a universal therapy scheme does not exist: after the examination, the doctor determines the diagnosis and selects treatment individually.

Depending on the cause of dizziness, the following may be used:

• medicinal products for eliminating symptoms and treating the underlying disease;

• exercises to improve the functioning of the vestibular apparatus and restore balance;

• treatment of diseases of the inner ear;

• correction of blood pressure, blood glucose level, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and other conditions that may cause dizziness;

• recommendations regarding lifestyle to reduce the risk of repeated attacks.

Doctors of “Oxford Medical” recommend not taking medications independently and not postponing the examination if the symptom recurs. Treatment of vertigo will be effective only when the cause of its occurrence has been eliminated.

If dizziness has already occurred before, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations and eliminate factors that may provoke repeated attacks.

Specialists recommend:

• timely treat diseases that may cause dizziness;

• control blood pressure and blood glucose level in the presence of corresponding diseases;

• follow regular nutrition and drink enough fluid;

• avoid a sharp change in body position, especially after sleep or prolonged sitting;

• get enough sleep, maintain regular physical activity and, if possible, reduce the influence of stress.

According to Mayo Clinic, the risk of repeated episodes of dizziness can be reduced if the diseases that cause it are controlled and the doctor's recommendations regarding treatment and lifestyle are followed.

The cost of treatment depends on the necessary scope of diagnostics and the individual therapy plan. During the consultation, the doctor will assess the state of health, if necessary prescribe additional examinations and explain the further treatment tactics, and also orient regarding prices for medical services.

Current prices for doctors' consultations can be viewed here or clarified with administrators during appointment booking. To make an appointment for a consultation, leave a request on the website or call the contact center. The doctor will help establish the cause of dizziness and select treatment in accordance with your state of health.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

Sources:

• NCBI Bookshelf

• American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery

• NICE