Dizziness and Vertigo |
| We generally use one
word - DIZZY-
for two very different sensations. These sensations have very
different causes. We need to be clear on which sensation we mean
before we can figure out causes and treatments.
One sensation is a light headed, kind of fainting, passing out sensation. It’s the what we feel after we breathe in and out rapidly (hyperventilation) ten or twenty times. This we call “little d” dizziness. The other sensation is the merry-go-round, “I’m spinning”, “ the room is spinning”, on a boat kind of sea sick feeling. This feeling is called vertigo. |
| DIZZY WITH A SMALL "d" |
| The British call this sensation "giddy".
This sensation just about never comes from the ear. Two basis origins for this experience are: Metabolic...meaning a change in blood chemistry. In addition to hyperventilation, such changes can occur as a result of sedative medications, or hormonal changes. Occasionally, such sensations are caused by a hyperventilation response to emotional stress. Circulatory...occurring when the reflexes adjusting blood flow to the brain don't keep up with the brain's need. One example is the "head rush" of standing up to quickly after sitting for hours. Other causes include medications effects or blood vessel diseases. The complete evaluation of this complaint falls within the usual practice of family or internal medicine. |
Vertigo...an ear problem? |
|
With few
exceptions, this sensation arises in the inner ear. The inner
ear is the part of the ear buried deep in the ( temporal) bone
on the side of the head including the organ of
hearing...the cochlea, and the organ of balance.....the
vestibular apparatus. Vertigo occurs when one ear malfunctions
compared to the other. When both ears malfunction to the same
degree, vertigo is rare, but severe difficulty walking and
standing up are the result. |