How to manage Vertigo and Dizziness

Vertigo and Dizziness

It is imperative that symptoms of Vertigo and Dizziness be accurately diagnosed. Firstly, we have to differentiate between dizziness and vertigo. Dizziness can be a range of sensations including feeling light-headed, faint, woozy, giddy, unsteady, off-balance or weak. Whereas, vertigo is a type of dizziness that feels as though you or your surroundings are spinning.

Even though the majority of cases are not serious or life threatening,  it is important that we exclude the dangerous etiologies causing vertigo. 

Vertigo and Dizziness

Thus, we obtain a complete medical history from the patient and a thorough clinical examination is carried out. With specialized tests and examinations we are able to assess the neurological functions, the cochlea and the cerebellar functions of each patient. Moreover, in order to fully analyze the patient, we may require more diagnostic examinations such as Computed tomography or Magnetic resonance imaging.

Once we have gleaned the diagnosis, we treat the patient according to the cause and symptoms of the vertigo. Specialized repositioning tests may be performed in the case of benign positional vertigo. Furthermore, medication may be suggested in order to alleviate the symptoms for other types of vertigo. Finally, we may also recommend medical acupuncture, which will be introduced into the treatment protocol to relieve symptoms and anxiety.

Often, patients have already visited many hospitals and clinics without having found relief for their vertigo, consequently, it is very important to treat such patients as a whole.

Reference

• Zwergal A, Dieterich M. Vertigo and dizziness in the emergency room. Curr Opin Neurol. 2020 Feb;33(1):117-125.
• Spiegel R, Kirsch M, Rosin C, Rust H, Baumann T, Sutter R, Friedrich H, Göldlin M, Müri R, Kalla R, Bingisser R, Mantokoudis G. Dizziness in the emergency department: an update on diagnosis. Swiss Med Wkly. 2017 Dec 27;147:w14565.
• Picciotti PM, Anzivino R, Galli J, Franceschi F, Conti G, Simeoni B, Covino M. Clinical Evolution of Acute Vestibular Syndrome: Longitudinal Retrospective Analysis of Epidemiological Data and Prognostic Factors for Recovery. J Pers Med. 2023 Feb 24;13(3):407.