The most obvious symptom of vertigo is dizziness or a spinning motion.
However, sufferers may experience a wide range of symptoms. Symptoms will
either develop rapidly or gradually. Those who undergo a sudden onset may
experience any of the following conditions:
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Headache
Heart palpitations
Muscle pain
Nausea
Sweating
Vertigo symptoms that develop over time may include:
Double vision
Migraine
Loss of consciousness
Lack of coordination
Vomiting
Weakness
Individuals who experience severe vertigo are at a higher risk of
experiencing injury due to falls. There are no warning signs of a vertigo
attack, thus it is possible to experience dizziness while walking down a flight
of stairs or driving a vehicles. In fact, most injuries that occur in the
elderly are due to vertigo.
Depending on the cause of the vertigo, sufferers may experience additional
symptoms. For example, Meniere's disease is often associated with loss of
hearing in one or both ears. Individuals may also have pain or feel pressure in
ears. As the disease progresses, permanent hearing loss, or deafness may occur.
Causes
Although occasional dizziness may not seem like a serious health threat, physicians
are generally ready to diagnose the underlying cause because vertigo may be a
symptom of a very serious condition. Many who suffer from strokes, brain
hemorrhage, and tumors experienced bouts of vertigo. Physicians will initially
perform a routine exam and blood test to rule out severe illnesses. Next, the
patient will undergo a neurological examination. This exam will likely test a
person's muscle strength, balance, and coordination. Once a problem with the
vestibular system is confirmed, physicians will finally determine which
disorder is the culprit. Unique examinations such as the rotary chair test and
the positional vertigo test are effective with labeling the root of dizziness
or loss of balance.