Do You Feel Like the Room Is Spinning? It Could Be Vertigo

Are you experiencing dizziness or a spinning sensation while the room stays still? You may be dealing with vertigo—a common but unsettling condition. Vertigo symptoms include the uncontrollable feeling of imbalance or that the world around you is spinning.

Vertigo affects many people, with studies showing that 20% to 56% of the population experiences it at least once in their lifetime. According to the National Institutes of Health, in the span of a decade, nearly 26 million people visited emergency departments due to dizziness.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo is a symptom rather than a standalone condition. Its most frequent cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which occurs when crystals in the inner ear move out of place.

Another type, known as central vertigo, is less common and stems from brain-related conditions such as infections, strokes, or traumatic brain injuries.

Other potential causes include:

•    Migraine headaches
•    Certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, anti-inflammatories)
•    Diabetes
•    Prolonged bed rest
•    Hyperventilation
•    Low blood pressure
•    Multiple sclerosis 

What Are the Symptoms of Vertigo?

Vertigo often brings along additional symptoms, such as:

•    Nausea 
•    Vomiting
•    Balance issues
•    Headaches
•    Motion sickness

How Can I Treat Vertigo?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but options often include:

•    Repositioning maneuvers like the Epley maneuver
•    Medications designed to alleviate symptoms
•    Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
•    Surgery (in rare cases)
•    Home Remedies for Managing Vertigo

While professional medical care is often needed, you can ease symptoms at home with these strategies: 

•    Move slowly when standing or turning your head.
•    Sleep with your head elevated on two pillows.
•    Rest in a dark, quiet room during episodes.
•    Squat rather than bending at the waist.
•    Use a cane or walking stick for added balance.

Living with Vertigo

Some people experience vertigo only once, while others face recurring episodes. Although there’s no permanent cure, talking to a healthcare provider can help manage symptoms effectively.

Our therapy teams at Trinity Health Michigan are ready help you in diagnosing and treating vertigo.

Learn more about the expert care teams near you.

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Alyssa Plotts

Marketing Specialist

Alyssa Plotts is a Marketing Specialist for Trinity Health MI. She earned her bachelor’s in media communication at the University of Toledo. Before working in healthcare marketing, Alyssa worked in broadcast journalism as a television news reporter and anchor.