Are you experiencing sudden spells of dizziness? You could be suffering from Vertigo!

Understand the basics about this disease here.

Vertigo is a disease which is most commonly characterized by symptoms of dizziness which make a person feel as if the world around him is revolving or rocking. The name Vertigo itself is derived from a Latin word verto which means a spinning or whirling movement. Most often, this disease is caused due to imbalances in the functioning of the vestibular system i.e. the innermost system of the ear which is responsible for maintaining normal movement and sense of balance.

A temporary form of this condition can be experienced when a person spins around continuously for a few minutes such as on a giant wheel and then tried to stand still on his feet. However, if a person experiences such a feeling of dizziness frequently even while standing still or sitting, then there is a high probability that he is suffering from vertigo.

Signs to watch out for

Many people may dismiss a mild bout of dizziness as something they just experienced because of weakness. But the sensation of spinning while actually standing still, which Vertigo causes, is actually a very strong sensation and can last several minutes, leaving the person unable to stand. Frequent spells of vertigo are often accompanied by feeling of nausea and inability to stand or walk for several minutes even after the feeling has passed away. Over time, it may also cause impairment in hearing, blurred vision and may permanently impair the quality of life.

Types of vertigo

Vertigo is generally classified into 3 types depending on the kind of spinning motion experienced by a person. However, the signs and symptoms, causes as well as treatment for all the three types are same.

• Objective Vertigo – If a person senses that the objects around him are moving while he is standing still, it is objective vertigo.
• Subjective Vertigo – If the person feels that he himself is spinning around while objects around him are still, it is subjective vertigo.
• Pseudovertigo – This is one of the most common types of Vertigo and is associated by an intense whirling or sensation of rotation inside the head.

There is another type of vertigo called Physiologic vertigo which is a self-induced feeling of vertigo, often done by kids who run around in circles to experience the feeling of the world spinning around.

Vertigo – how common is it

Vertigo is a fairly common disease which is more likely to occur in people above 40 years of age. More than 20-30% of the world’s population in general is said to be affected by it. Sometimes, extreme spells of dizziness causing a person to fall or even become disoriented have also been reported as emergency cases in hospitals.