Imagine waking up one day to find that the world around you is spinning out of control. For some people, this feeling is more than a fleeting moment – it’s part of their daily life. Vertigo, a condition that affects the body’s sense of balance, can affect anyone, yet awareness of the condition is still limited. with approximately 44% of individuals vertigo Experience traveling at least once a week. intensity of dizzyDizziness may vary, but it is important not to dismiss it. Addressing it early leads to timely diagnosis and treatment and helps avoid future complications.
Globally, vertigo affects 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives, with around 70 million individuals in India affected by the condition. Despite its frequency, many individuals ignore their symptoms or delay seeking medical attention until they feel it is absolutely necessary.
According to Dr. Renuka Bradu, HOD and Consultant ENT and Skull Base Surgeon, Sion Hospital, Mumbai, “Vertigo is becoming increasingly common in India, but many individuals do not recognize its symptoms, which can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment. Is. Many people are unfamiliar with identifying vertigo, the sensation of dizziness and associated symptoms such as unsteadiness and nausea. Awareness of differentiating causes of dizziness Dizziness And dizziness caused by vertigo can help someone get the right diagnosis and treatment help.”
Understanding Vertigo Better
Dizziness is a momentary sensation of dizziness, unsteadiness, feeling unbalanced, weakness or even dizziness. Additionally, when experiencing vertigo, it is the sensation of the environment spinning around you that makes you feel as if you are losing balance. Most people ignore vertigo as a symptom of low blood sugar, low blood pressure, dehydration or stress.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of underlying conditions, including vertigo. It is important not to ignore dizziness, as it could be a sign of something serious. There are different types of dizziness, each with its own characteristics:
vertigo
A spinning sensation where you feel as if you or your surroundings are spinning when they are not. Overall, patients complain of dizziness once a week or more often. As the age of the patient increases, the prevalence of pain increases in people (older patients (56+ years) have pain more often than the age groups of 41-55 years).
imbalance
A feeling of instability or loss of balance, often without the sensation of spinning
presyncope
feeling faint or dizzy, as if you will faint
dizzy
A vague sensation of restlessness or floating, often associated with anxiety or dehydration
Understanding the type of vertigo you are experiencing can help you seek appropriate medical attention. Vertigo is characterized by an intense spinning sensation and should be immediately evaluated by a health care provider.
Dr. Jejo Karankumar, Medical Director, Abbott India, says, “Raising awareness about vertigo is key to helping people with the knowledge and tools they need to get the right help. Apart from dizziness, common symptoms experienced by vertigo patients also include headache, heaviness in the head and neck pain. This creates challenges in their personal lives, leading them to skip or cancel important events and reduce the time they spend with their families. Encouraging early diagnosis and the right treatment support can help reduce the effects of vertigo and enable patients to live balanced and healthy lives.
Managing Vertigo Effectively
Here are simple steps to effectively manage vertigo and improve quality of life.
Consult a doctor for quick diagnosis
If you experience dizziness and related symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor and follow the prescribed treatment and medications. Early diagnosis is important to avoid future complications. Having regular checkups can help monitor symptoms and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Manage vertigo with the right treatment
Vertigo can be managed through vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgical intervention. Consulting a doctor will help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your type of condition. Solutions like the Vertigo Coach app provide comprehensive information on vertigo management to help people stay on track and manage the condition with helpful services like pill reminders, lifestyle tips, and videos of specially designed exercises that can help someone Can help you train your vestibular system (a sensory system). which creates a sense of balance and movement of our head in space).
optimizing sleeping position
Sleeping on your back with your head elevated may help reduce the symptoms of vertigo. Avoid sleeping on your side, as this can cause dizziness.
stay active
Light exercise such as yoga and walking can improve balance and reduce symptoms of vertigo. Balance is a fundamental aspect of our daily lives. By raising awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and supporting people who experience dizziness, we can empower individuals to maintain balance and live fulfilling lives.
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