DEFINITION

Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness, faintness or lightheadedness that results from an impaired sense of balance and equilibrium. It may occur in a standing or sitting position.

DESCRIPTION

Vertigo can cause unsteadiness, mental confusion, muscle weakness and nausea and vomiting. Vertigo can cause people to feel as if they are sinking or falling, and/or the room and objects in it are spinning around. Vertigo occurs when the central nervous system receives confusing messages from the inner ear, eyes, muscles and skin pressure receptors. It has a number of causes.
Dizziness is not always due to Vertigo. It can be a warning sign of a more serious ailment. See your Doctor for diagnosis and advice.

CAUSE

Trauma, cerebral ischaemia, epilepsy, brain tumours, ear damage and Meniere's disease can cause Vertigo. Other causes include toxic effects of drugs, alcohol and cigarette smoking, injury or infection in the inner ear, anaemia, high or low blood pressure, lack of oxygen, abnormal glucose levels in the blood, tension and anxiety disorders, nutritional deficiencies, irregular movement e.g., on a boat at sea, allergies or food intolerance, psychological factors spinal misalignment, ageing, circulatory problems, changes in atmospheric pressure and occupational hazards (certain trades have been associated with Vertigo - welding, painting, printing, rubber, metal and petroleum production industries, and formaldehyde exposure).

TREATMENT OPTIONS

As with all conditions your Doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat this condition. Ask your Doctor about the latest advice on this ailment. A correct diagnosis is important to rule out any serious conditions. Your Doctor will carry out suitable tests to help with the diagnosis.

PHARMACIST'S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.
1) Follow the Diet Hints.
2) Ask your Pharmacist about some antihistamine tablets to relieve the giddiness. Your Pharmacist may suggest some motion sickness tablets.
3) Look towards increasing your general health. Try to have some mild regular exercise. Walking is a good example.
4) Smoking is not recommended. If you need help to stop ask your Pharmacist for suggestions.
5) High cholesterol has been associated with Vertigo-like diseases. Ask your Pharmacist about a cholesterol test.
6) If the diet is inadequate nutritional supplements may be of benefit.

DIET HINTS

The vertigo diet aims at reducing factors which may cause or are associated with dizziness. Hypertension, anaemia, cholesterol and blood sugar problems can be controlled with diet and may contribute to Vertigo.
- Try reducing foods with a high saturated fat content. Red meats, fried foods and full fat dairy products should be kept to a minimum.
- Try to reduce high sugar foods and erratic eating. This may contribute to blood sugar fluctuations.
- Increase consumption of complex carbohydrates, legumes (beans, peas, lentils etc), grains and vegetables which help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants which may help protect the circulatory system.
- Try to eat fish and include cold-pressed linseed oil in the diet for essential fatty acids.
- Increase the consumption of iron rich foods to help with anaemia. Spinach, oysters, prunes, eggs, lean meat and almonds are some good sources.
- Include garlic in the diet. Garlic may help reduce high blood pressure associated with Vertigo.
- Try to reduce coffee, tea and alcohol consumption. These substances may affect the fluid levels in the body.
- Ginger and chillies may improve circulation.
- Check for food sensitivities. Ask your Health Professional for advice on food sensitivity diets or see the Food Intolerance topic.

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

Vitamins and minerals may only be of assistance if dietary intake is inadequate.
- Niacin (vitamin B3) may improve circulation to the brain. Do not take niacin if you have a liver disorder, gout, or high blood pressure. A deficiency of vitamin B6 or niacin may cause Vertigo.
- Coenzyme Q10 may improve circulation to the brain.
- Ginger may help to relieve dizziness and nausea.
- Ginkgo biloba may improve circulation and brain function by increasing the supply of oxygen to the brain.
- Magnesium, calcium and taurine are thought to be beneficial in Vertigo.

NOTES

- A number of older people complain of Vertigo when they stand up too quickly after lying down. In older people the blood does not circulate as well as in a younger person. These people should allow more time for the body to adjust to the standing position.
- Air contains less oxygen at altitudes high above sea level. Lower oxygen levels can cause mild and temporary dizziness.
- Amusement park rides, video games and action movies may provoke Vertigo. Symptoms often diminish after the activity is stopped.

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