Dizziness refers to lightheadedness, i.e., a feeling that one might faint and vertigo i.e., a feeling that one is spinning or moving around or the things around him are spinning. These sensations may make one lose their balance.
Dizziness is described in many different ways such as:-
These sensations may last for a few seconds or remain constant for days and may even recur. Walking, standing, or sudden movement of the head may trigger these feelings and may compel the person to sit or lie down. Dizziness can occur at any age but is more commonly seen in older people. This is one of the main reasons why older people tend to fall more often than younger people.
Dizziness is considered a medical emergency if it is associated with any of the symptoms such as severe and sudden headache, chest pain, breathing difficulty, paralysis of arms or legs, fainting, double vision, irregular or rapid heart beat, confused or slurred speech, difficulty in walking, excessive vomiting, seizures, sudden changes in hearing, facial muscle weakness or numbness.
The causes of dizziness include:-
1. Vertigo due to inner ear disorders- our sense of balance depends on coordinated input from various components of the sensory system which includes:-
In inner ear disorders, the information sent to the brain from ears is not consistent with the signals the brain receives from the eyes and the sensory nerves. This gives rise to the sensation of vertigo.
Vertigo may occur due to:-
2. Circulatory disorders that cause dizziness- In this dizziness results when the blood supply to the brain is not adequate. This may occur due to:-
3. Other causes of dizziness include:-
There are certain factors that increase the risk of getting dizziness. These include the following:-
Dizziness can cause serious complications if not treated properly. Dizziness and a sense of imbalance increase the chances of falling and hurting oneself. If one gets an episode of dizziness while driving or handling some heavy machinery, he/she is more likely to meet an accident. Also, if the underlying medical conditions that are causing dizziness are left untreated, they may lead to other serious consequences.
Usually, several tests are required to diagnose dizziness. The tests conducted to diagnose dizziness include the following:-
-Electronystagmography (ENG) and videonystagmography (VNG) tests- These tests measure and record eye movements, which are essential to have the right balance.
- Rotary tests or rotary chair test- This test to diagnose dizziness is also based on the measurement of eye movements.
- Posturography or computerized dynamic posturography (CDP)- This test is based on the measurement of one’s ability to maintain the state of balance while standing.
- Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials test(VEMP)- This test is based on measuring how certain muscles react to sound. It can detect if there is any problem in the inner ear.
- Dix hall pike maneuver- This test is based on measuring how the eyes react to sudden movements.
- Hearing tests- Since many cases of dizziness are due to problems in the inner ear, one may undergo one or more hearing tests to diagnose the cause of dizziness.
Following are a few management tips to cope with dizziness:-
In most cases, the underlying cause of dizziness is not serious; as a result, it either gets better by itself or responds easily to treatment. If one tends to be dizzy constantly or often if the dizziness is accompanied by severe symptoms as mentioned above, one should seek medical help.
Homeopathy has a great role to play in the treatment of dizziness. Homeopathic treatment for dizziness is not only effective and prevents relapse of the condition but is also safe and without any side effects. Best homeopathic medicine for dizziness is the one most similar to disease manifestation, which is elicited from both mental and physical spheres by a trained homeopathic physician.
Common dizziness medicines are:-
BELLADONNA- It is indicated when with vertigo, there is a sensation of falling backward or to the left side. There may be an associated headache with much throbbing and heat in the head. This headache is worse in the afternoon, from least noise or light, lying down, jar and better by pressure and sitting in semi-erect posture.
BRYONIA ALBA- It is indicated when vertigo recurs with the least movement of eyes or head and gets better when the head is in the perfect state of rest.
COCCULUS- It is indicated when with vertigo, there is nausea, especially when one is riding in a carriage or sitting up and headache in occiput, which gets worse on lying on the back part of the head.
CONIUM MACULATUM- It is indicated when vertigo is on lying down or turning head in bed or even turning eyes, especially towards the left. It is especially suited for vertigo in older people.
GELSIMIUM SEMPERVIRENS- It is indicated when associated with vertigo, there are dim vision and drooping of eyelids. There may be loss of muscular control with excessive trembling and weakness of all limbs.
PULSATILLA NIGRICANS- It is especially indicated for vertigo in women who get aggravated due to suppressed or delayed periods. This vertigo tends to get better in the open and fresh air.
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