Did the dizziness strike you again?
There is something to do
While a dizzy spell can be a stressful event, in most cases it is a temporary condition that does not require significant medical intervention.
Why does this happen and what treatments are acceptable for the phenomenon?
Prof. Daniel Kaplan, Nose, Ear, Throat Specialist, Explains
Zap group, in collaboration with zap doctors
09/01/2022
Sunday, 09 January 2022, 13:55 Updated: Monday, 10 January 2022, 18:37
Share on Facebook
Share on WhatsApp
Share on Twitter
Share on Email
Share on general
Comments
Comments
Feel like the whole room around you is spinning but you are not on a carousel? You are probably experiencing vertigo - "rotational dizziness". Before we go into detail about the reasons for the common phenomenon, let’s start with the bottom line and reassuring: In most cases, there is no significant cause for concern.
"'Rotational dizziness' is caused as a result of a disturbance in the balance organ in the inner ear, known as the vestibular organ," explains Prof. Daniel Kaplan, an expert in nose and throat and dizziness. According to him, a person who experiences this type of dizziness, can really feel as if he is on a carousel-like rotating device. "This phenomenon is aggravated when the person suffering from it is in dislocation, and it is actually one of the most familiar symptoms that aids in diagnosis."
An accompanying objective sign is a twitching of the eyes which results from the body's desire to compensate for the dizziness and focus the vision so that it is not blurred. "Often, dizziness will also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting and imbalance," notes Prof.Kaplan.
There are a number of common conditions that can cause dizziness (Photo: ShutterStock)
why is it happening?
When an abnormal stimulus is received from the balance organ located in the ear, it reaches the nuclei in the brain that are connected to various systems in the body, such as the posture system, the vomiting system and other systems.
Prof. Kaplan mentions a number of common conditions that can cause this process and details about the usual treatment, which is naturally adapted to the specific type of problem:
Vestibular neuritis
is usually an inflammation caused by a virus from the herpes family.
Inflammation causes a turbulent illness and a very bad feeling and is accompanied by vomiting and inability to move.
How is it treated?
In such a case the patient can not be offered much beyond supportive care, which includes a recommendation to drink fluids, and it is usually recommended to give a treatment course of steroids, which shorten the period of illness and alleviate the symptoms.
Sudden postural dizziness - "Crystals" (BBPV)
This sudden dizziness occurs when tiny crystals of calcium detach from a certain area of the balance organ, reaching one of the channels that affect the equilibrium. In this case, the dizziness will manifest itself in short bouts of several seconds each time the patient bows his head down.
How is it treated? It is customary to perform a movement of the patient's body and head. The goal is basically to put the crystals back in place.
Meniere's disease Meniere's disease
is actually a disorder of the inner ear that leads to sudden bouts of dizziness, lasting minutes to hours. These are accompanied by other hearing-related symptoms, such as pressure in the ear, noise, temporary hearing loss, etc., which occur due to the accumulation of fluid inside the balance organ and in the "snail" - the auditory organ.
When dizziness attacks appear for several minutes to hours, but are not accompanied by hearing symptoms, it may be a type of migraine known as "vestibular migraine".Some call this condition recurrent vestibulopathy.
How is it treated?
In such a case it is customary to recommend limiting salt intake while taking a diuretic which also reduces body salts.
In some cases, when the affected area can be identified, a steroid injection aimed at neutralizing the active area that is causing the seizures may be recommended.
When a migraine is diagnosed, anti-migraine treatment may be helpful.
Internal ear infection
is a very rare condition during which inflammatory substances penetrate into the inner ear, usually after acute or chronic ear infections.
In this condition there is sometimes irreversible hearing loss.
In contrast, dizziness is limited and transient.
How is it treated?
Even in these cases the treatment is supportive and includes the use of steroids and medications that reduce the feeling of dizziness.
A dizzy spell can be frightening and unpleasant (Photo: ShutterStock)
Prof. Kaplan points out that there are other reasons that can explain a generalized non-rotational dizziness attack (Dizziness). It is a dizziness that is actually weakness, fainting, imbalance or a feeling of drunkenness. It occurs in a variety of conditions: pregnancy, decreased blood pressure, low level of hemoglobin and when using medication. When in doubt, it is advisable to seek medical advice.
What about other treatments like physical therapy or alternative therapies?
Prof Kaplan: "As mentioned, postural dizziness treatment is performed by a doctor who uses the technique of changing the patient's body posture, designed to put the problematic particles back in place. However, standard physiotherapy is designed to help in cases where rehabilitation of the body is required, especially when the person fails. Compensate for the physical damage caused to him. Physiotherapy strengthens the ability to respond, strengthens the muscles and contributes to the general feeling. It may help in some cases.
"Regarding alternative therapies - acupuncture for example - there is no solid research evidence for their effectiveness in improving dizziness. However, as long as they help the patient and improve his condition, they can certainly be used."
Who should you turn to when you have dizziness?
"Since most of the problems associated with the phenomenon are due to the balance organ in the inner ear - an AG doctor (ENT) is the address in such situations. Also, there are neurologists involved in the specific field who can be consulted if necessary. "
Which tests help diagnose dizziness?
" There are various tests that make it possible to examine the damage to the balance system. The decision on the relevant test is at the discretion of the attending specialist, and has clinical significance in terms of treatment. In any case, no examination will always be recommended, "explains Prof. Kaplan.
"Sometimes it is important to document the extent of the damage and then check the balance system in the lab. VNG is a test that can provide an assessment of the functioning of the equilibrium system.
" Weight in certain dizziness conditions. Another possible test examines the movement of the eyes in relation to the stimulation of a particular sound. Sometimes imaging tests can also be considered. "
Red flags
: A patient with new, unfamiliar dizziness, who comes with headaches, vomiting, inability to walk, blurred vision, unilateral hearing loss or any new neurological deficiency, preferably referred to the emergency room for examination The patient may suffer from one of the most common and non-dangerous causes of dizziness, but on the other hand - on physical examination there are "red flags" for rare but dangerous conditions of cerebral infarction (usually in a posterior dimple) and even a tumor.
In conclusion
, A dizzy spell can be frightening and unpleasant and sometimes even requires a visit to the emergency room.
However, Prof. Kaplan clarifies that when it comes to dizziness that is not accompanied by other problems - blurred vision, inability to move limbs or loss of consciousness - it is usually a non-worrying disease.
Prof Kaplan wants to emphasize: "It is extremely important that people suffering from dizziness completely avoid driving during the attack, as driving in this situation can endanger them and the environment."
Prof. Daniel Kaplan
* What is said in the article is not a substitute for medical advice
* Assisted in the preparation of the article: Michal Halperin
health
My health
Doctor, what have I got
Tags
dizziness