While it can be a frightening experience, vertigo is usually not serious and can be managed with the right approach.
To shed light on this condition, Dr. Tang Mee Ling, an ENT Specialist from Sunway Velocity Medical Centre said one of the first things to understand about vertigo is that it is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying condition.
"Vertigo is a symptom, not a diagnosis. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as inner ear problems, head injuries and even certain medications,” said Dr Tang.
The most common form of vertigo is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is caused by tiny calcium crystals that become dislodged in the inner ear.
"BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo, accounting for about 50% of cases.”
"It can be triggered by head movements, such as rolling over in bed, looking up, or bending down,” she explained to Astro AWANI.
Other causes of vertigo include Meniere's disease, which is characterised by episodes of vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss; Vestibular Neuritis, which is an inflammation of the inner ear nerve and migraines, which can cause vertigo as a symptom.
The Microbiome's Link to Vertigo
Dr. Tang explained that the inner ear, responsible for maintaining our balance, resides near microbiome-rich regions such as the sinuses and the Eustachian tube.
When an upper respiratory tract infection strikes, whether viral or bacterial, it can easily introduce an infection to the middle ear cavity via the Eustachian tube.
From there, the infection can affect the delicate structures of the inner ear, including the vestibular organ, which can trigger vertigo.
Sometimes, the connection is indirect, occurring through the bloodstream that travels to the inner ear structures.
The Psychological Factors in Vertigo
Other than that, Dr. Tang also highlighted a term known as psychogenic vertigo, where vertigo can occur in psychiatric disorders such as anxiety, depression, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
However, it is crucial to prioritize ruling out life-threatening physiological causes of vertigo, such as heart attacks or strokes (central Vertigo), before considering peripheral causes like ENT-related issues or psychological factors.
This underscores the need for comprehensive assessment and accurate diagnosis to ensure appropriate treatment.
It's important to note that while these exercises can be effective for some people, they should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Living with vertigo can be challenging, but with the right approach, it is possible to manage symptoms and lead a full, active life.
