Have you had any experiance of virtigo?!

Have you had any experiance of virtigo?

Any one out there had vertigo & can it be cured

Vertigo is notoriously difficult to get to the bottom of. There are many causes, and will require several tests and a full history to diagnose. Many cases cannot be confidently diagnosed.

Often the vestibular sytem located within the ears is involved, either a virus (labyrinthitis - probably the commonest cause), or a fluid imbalance (Menieres disease - quite rare), or (very rare) a hole in the vestibular wall (fistula).

It is also possible that small crystals found in the vestibule become lodged into the wrong postion.

The vertigo arises because your brain is used to the signals from each balance sytem within the ear, if the signal from one side is reduced, it "confuses" the brain.

As to a cure, again it depends on the cause.

If it is labyrinthitis then often the affected ear will recover to full working order, restoring your balance. Even if there is not a full recovery, the brain usually will adapt to the new signals and the vertigo will subside. The younger you are, the quicker this will happen.

Menieres is a nasty disease which will affect both balance and hearing. There is no real cure, symptoms can be reduced with drugs and by reducing salt intake. This MUST be diagnosed by an ENT surgeon, do not rely on your GP.

If the crystals in your ears have become dislodged, an ENT doctor can perform an Epley manouevre where s/he will throw your head about in an apparently violent way which will move the crystals back into position.

Some vertigo is caused by movement, especially quick movements of the head. If this is the case, a physiotherapist or audiologist will be able to provide you with some exercises to help reduce the problem.

Edit: BTW to those respondents who have been taken Stemetil, I have been told by more expert colleagues of mine that there is evidence that long-term use can damage certain cells in the brain, please ask your GP