Vertigo is a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving, often leading to a feeling of imbalance. Unlike dizziness, which refers to a range of sensations like lightheadedness or faintness, vertigo specifically involves the perception of motion. This condition can be mild or severe, significantly impacting daily life.
Vertigo is commonly classified into two types:
- Peripheral Vertigo: Originates from issues in the inner ear or vestibular nerve.
- Central Vertigo: Linked to problems in the brain, such as the brainstem or cerebellum.
Causes of Vertigo
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Triggered by changes in head position, caused by dislodged calcium crystals in the inner ear.
- Meniere’s Disease: A disorder associated with fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to a viral infection.
- Labyrinthitis: Inner ear inflammation caused by infection, affecting balance and hearing.
- Migrainous Vertigo: Associated with migraines and may occur with or without headache symptoms.
- Head Injury: Trauma can disrupt the vestibular system, leading to vertigo.
- Stroke or Tumors: Central causes of vertigo related to structural or vascular abnormalities in the brain.
Pathophysiology of Vertigo
The sensation of vertigo arises from dysfunction in the balance-maintaining systems of the body:
- Vestibular System: Located in the inner ear, it detects head movement and spatial orientation through semicircular canals and otolith organs.
- Proprioceptive System: Provides feedback on body position via muscles and joints.
- Visual System: Offers visual input for spatial awareness.
When one or more of these systems fail to communicate properly with the brain, it creates a mismatch of sensory information, resulting in vertigo. For instance, in BPPV, dislodged otoliths interfere with normal signaling in the semicircular canals, while in vestibular neuritis, inflammation disrupts nerve conduction to the brain.
Homeopathic Remedies
- Conium Maculatum: Useful for vertigo worsened by turning the head or lying down. Particularly effective in elderly individuals or those with cervical spondylosis.
- Gelsemium Sempervirens: For vertigo accompanied by drowsiness, weakness, and trembling. Often helpful for vertigo triggered by fear or anticipation.
- Belladonna: Ideal for sudden and intense vertigo, especially if accompanied by throbbing headaches. Symptoms may worsen with light or noise.
- Cocculus Indicus: Suitable for vertigo triggered by motion sickness or sleep deprivation. Associated with nausea, fatigue, and a feeling of emptiness in the head.
- Bryonia Alba: Effective for vertigo aggravated by movement or rising from a sitting position. May feel irritable and prefer lying still.
- Phosphorus: Beneficial for vertigo caused by circulatory issues or visual disturbances. Often used when vertigo is linked to faintness or weakness.
- Pulsatilla Nigricans: Appropriate for vertigo accompanied by ear complaints, such as tinnitus or hearing loss. Symptoms often improve in fresh air and worsen in warm rooms.
If this has been a chronic or ongoing issue then BOOK A CONSULT to look into the right remedy that is individualised to your constitution.