Doctor, I Have Vertigo. What Can I Do Now?
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Patient: “Doctor, recently I’m feeling like the room is spinning around me. Could this be vertigo?”
Doctor: “Yes, it looks like you are experiencing vertigo. Vertigo is a symptom where you feel as if you or your surroundings are moving when there is no actual movement. It can be caused by problems in the inner ear or in areas of the brain that maintain our balance.”
Patient: “What triggers the episodes of vertigo? Is there something I should avoid?”
Doctor: “There are many triggers for vertigo, but common ones include sudden head movements or changes in position. For some people, stress or lack of sleep can also provoke these episodes. It’s helpful to keep a track of what triggers your vertigo and avoid them if possible.”
Patient: “Could this be a sign of something more serious?”
Doctor: “Vertigo can be a symptom of various conditions, some are more serious than others. However, most causes are not life-threatening and are easily treatable. Conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis are the most common and manageable. We can conduct further tests if needed to rule out any serious underlying issues.”
Patient: “How long do these episodes usually last?”
Doctor: “The duration can vary depending on the cause. Episodes can last from a few seconds to several hours. In BPPV, the sensation usually lasts for less than a minute.”
Patient: “Is there something I can do immediately when I feel that an episode is just starting?”
Doctor: “Yes, immediately sit or lie down when you feel dizzy. This prevents falls and helps reduce the spinning sensation. Focusing on a stationary object or closing your eyes can also help stabilize your balance.”
Patient: “And how can I manage my vertigo in the long term?”
Doctor: “Long-term management includes vestibular rehabilitation exercises, which help our brain to adapt to the changes in the inner ear. Depending on the underlying cause, medications and lifestyle changes such as diet modifications, especially in Meniere’s disease, are also helpful.”
Patient: “Can doing certain exercises at home help me manage vertigo?”
Doctor: “Definitely. Exercises like the Epley maneuver can be very effective, especially for BPPV. I can show you how to perform these safely.”
Patient: “Thank you! Will this vertigo affect my driving or work life?”
Doctor: “It can, especially if your episodes are unpredictable or severe. It is important to assess how vertigo affects your daily activities and consider safety measures, like not driving when you are experiencing an episode. We can also consider medicines to reduce the frequency and severity of your episodes to help maintain your normal activities.”
Patient: “What should I do if I have an episode and I’m alone?”
Doctor: “Stay where you are and avoid any sudden movements. Have a plan in place, such as having someone you can call during an episode, and keep your environment safe to move around, like removing wires and other small objects from the floor.”
Patient: “Thank you, doctor. I feel better after learning about the steps I can take.”
Doctor: “You are welcome! Remember, managing vertigo is more about understanding your own body’s responses and managing them.”
This article is part of the Honest Conversations series: Explore the articles from this series:
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- Doctor, I Have Vertigo. What Can I Do Now?
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- Honest Conversations in Healthcare – A Series
![Shashikiran Umakanth](https://www.mediscuss.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/shashikiran-sm.png)
Dr Shashikiran Umakanth (MBBS, MD, FRCP Edin.) is Professor & Head of Internal Medicine at Dr TMA Pai Hospital, Udupi, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, India. He shares his insights on Medicine, Health and Life here.