Vertigo Treatment Options At The Hospital

Vertigo is a condition that causes a spinning sensation, even when you are not moving, and can hinder your ability to perform daily tasks. While vertigo often improves without treatment, it is important to seek medical attention if it interferes with your quality of life. Treatment for vertigo depends on its underlying cause, and healthcare providers use a variety of methods to address it. This paragraph will explore the different ways in which vertigo is treated in a hospital setting.

Canalith repositioning procedures, such as the Epley maneuver, involve head movements to shift crystals in the ear

Vertigo is a spinning sensation that comes and goes. It is caused by issues with the inner ear or the brain. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a specific type of vertigo caused by the displacement of small calcium carbonate crystals, or canaliths, within the inner ear. Canalith repositioning procedures, such as the Epley maneuver, are used to treat BPPV.

The Epley maneuver, also known as the canalith repositioning procedure (CRP), is a simple, non-invasive approach to treating BPPV. It involves a series of head movements that help relocate calcium carbonate crystals from the utricle back to the semicircular canals, where they belong. The movements are different for each ear. The procedure takes about 5 to 15 minutes to complete.

During the Epley maneuver, the patient is asked to tilt their head to the side that is causing vertigo and quickly lie flat on their back with their head slightly off the edge of the examination table. They then gradually move their head to the opposite side and rotate the rest of their body so it is in alignment with their head. The patient is asked to remain on their side for a few moments before being helped to sit upright. It is important to keep the head down and not lift it up during any portion of the CRP.

The canalith repositioning procedure can be performed by a healthcare provider during an office visit or taught to the patient to be performed at home. It is important to consult a healthcare provider before incorporating any new therapy into your routine. Most people report relief from BPPV symptoms immediately following the canalith repositioning procedure. However, sometimes the procedure may need to be repeated to reduce symptoms.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy includes exercises to improve vertigo symptoms like dizziness and unstable vision

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of therapy that aims to alleviate the symptoms of vestibular disorders, including vertigo. It involves a range of exercises to improve vertigo symptoms like dizziness, unstable vision, and balance issues.

VRT is tailored to the specific needs of the patient and can be performed on an outpatient basis or initiated in a hospital. It begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment, including a detailed history of the patient's symptoms and their impact on daily activities. The exercises may include stretching, strengthening, eye movement control, and marching in place. For example, patients may be asked to focus on a letter held at eye level and turn their heads from side to side while keeping their eyes on the letter. The speed of the head movement is gradually increased, and the exercise is progressed by placing the letter on a busy background or performing it while standing.

Canalith repositioning procedures (CRPs) are another important aspect of VRT, particularly for patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is caused by crystals (otoconia or canaliths) becoming dislodged from the inner ear and moving into the semicircular canals, resulting in dizziness. CRPs involve specific head and upper body movements to move the crystals back into their correct place. The Epley maneuver and the Semont (Semont-Liberatory) maneuver are two commonly used CRP treatments.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can significantly improve vertigo symptoms and enhance patients' quality of life. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for a personalized treatment plan and guidance on performing the exercises safely and effectively.

Medication can help with acute vertigo, including motion sickness medicines and antibiotics for infections

Vertigo is a condition that causes a spinning sensation, even when you are not moving, and can interfere with your quality of life. While vertigo often gets better without treatment, medication can help in some cases of acute vertigo.

If you experience vertigo, it is important to see a doctor to determine the root cause and discuss treatment options. A primary care doctor or ear-nose-throat (ENT) specialist can diagnose vertigo by asking about your symptoms, examining your inner ear, and checking your eye movements. Vertigo is often caused by issues with the inner ear, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or problems with the brain, such as migraines or strokes.

If your vertigo is caused by an infection or inflammation, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics or steroids to reduce swelling and treat the infection. Motion sickness medicines, such as meclizine (Antivert, Bonine) or dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), can also be prescribed to ease vertigo symptoms like nausea and dizziness. For Meniere's disease, a type of rare inner ear condition, diuretics or "water pills" can help reduce fluid buildup and the pressure it causes. Antihistamines can also sometimes be useful in treating vertigo symptoms.

In addition to medication, healthcare providers may recommend vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which involves a range of exercises to improve common vertigo symptoms. These exercises may include stretching, strengthening, eye movement control, and marching in place, and can be taught to be performed at home during vertigo episodes.

Imaging tests like MRI and CT scans can detect problems in the inner ear or brain

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning, tilting, or disorientation, even when you are standing or sitting still. It is often caused by issues with the inner ear or the brain. While vertigo can sometimes go away on its own, it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying problem. Hence, it is important to seek medical help to identify the root cause and determine a personalised treatment plan.

The choice between an MRI or a CT scan depends on various factors, including the patient's medical history, the suspected cause of vertigo, and the availability of imaging equipment. In some cases, patients may undergo both MRI and CT scans to comprehensively evaluate their condition. However, it is important to consider the cost-benefit ratio of these imaging tests, as they can be expensive and may not always lead to a definitive diagnosis.

In addition to imaging tests, doctors may perform a range of other tests to diagnose vertigo, including hearing tests, caloric testing, and vestibular tests. They may also recommend canalith repositioning procedures, such as the Epley maneuver, to treat vertigo caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which involves moving the crystals out of the semicircular canals in the inner ear. For vertigo caused by underlying medical conditions, such as tumours or brain injuries, treating the underlying problem may help relieve vertigo symptoms.

Surgery is rarely needed for vertigo, but it may be recommended if other treatments are ineffective

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning, even when you’re not moving. It can be caused by issues with your inner ear or brain. While vertigo can often go away on its own, and there is no cure, there are treatments that can help manage the condition and relieve symptoms. In most cases, vertigo is treated with medication, canalith repositioning procedures, or vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

Canalith repositioning procedures, such as the Epley maneuver, involve a series of specific head movements that shift calcium carbonate crystals out of the semicircular canals in your inner ear and back into the utricle, where they belong. These procedures can be performed by a healthcare provider or taught to the patient to do at home.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy is a non-invasive technique that uses specialized physical therapy to help your body adjust to vertigo. It typically involves exercises to improve common symptoms like dizziness, unstable vision, and balance issues. These exercises can be tailored to the patient's needs and taught to them so they can manage their symptoms at home.

In rare cases, surgery may be recommended for vertigo if other treatments are ineffective. Surgery is typically only considered when there is a serious underlying health issue, such as a brain tumor, neck injury, or noncancerous growth interfering with the function of the inner ear. The specific type of procedure will depend on the underlying cause and the patient's individual needs.

While vertigo can be a scary experience, it is important to remember that most cases are not serious and can be effectively managed with the help of a healthcare provider. If you are experiencing vertigo, it is recommended to consult a doctor to determine the root cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions