Vertigo refers to a spinning sensation or unsteadiness on the feet. Sometimes, vertigo sufferers may feel like they are falling sideways, forward or backward. In other instances, an inner-ear disease can lead to these particular symptoms. Fortunately, vertigo diseases have specific treatments.
Meniere's Disease
Meniere's disease refers to a middle-ear disorder in which hearing and balance are affected, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Specific symptoms of Meniere's disease include vertigo that gets worse upon movement and dizziness. The vertigo can last for as little as one minute or over one hour. Other Meniere's symptoms include hearing loss in one or both ears, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and sweating (diaphoresis). In some instances, this disease leads to nausea, vomiting and uncontrollable eye movements.
The risk factors for developing Meniere's disease include fatigue, allergies, stress, smoking and respiratory infection. Other risk factors include a recent viral illness and alcohol use.
Unfortunately, Meniere's disease cannot be cured. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center indicates that symptomatic relief is available. Anticholinergic and antihistamine medications can be taken to relieve Meniere's symptoms. In some instances, sedatives and benzodiazepines can also be taken. Sometimes, hearing aids and ear surgery can manage these symptoms.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo refers to another inner-ear problem associated with such problems as dizziness, vertigo and nauseousness. In fact, vertigo may occur when standing up, lying down and turning the head, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Loosened particles within the inner ear called otoliths lead to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This indicates to the brain that the head has moved when it hasn't.
Treating benign paroxysmal positional vertigo involves having a physician do manual movements of the head to reposition the otoliths.
Acoustic Neuroma
Acoustic neuroma refers to a harmless growth of cells (benign tumor) located on the nerve that connects to the brain and ear. Medline Plus says that signs of an acoustic neuroma include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), an abnormal sense of movement and hearing loss in the affected ear. Additional signs of an acoustic neuroma include a loss of balance, visual problems and weakness in the face. Sometimes, this condition leads to a headache that may worsen with sneezing, coughing, lifting and straining. In some instances, trouble sleeping, numbness in the face, visual problems and a loss of balance can occur.
Medline Plus indicates that an acoustic neuroma is due to a genetic defect. Its treatment involves surgery to remove the tumor. In some instances, these tumors can be observed to see if they get larger.
