Understanding Vertigo: When the World Feels Like It’s Spinning
Have you ever felt like the room is spinning, even while standing still? That unsettling sensation is called vertigo — and it’s more common than many realize. Vertigo isn’t a diagnosis on its own; it’s a symptom of underlying conditions that affect your balance system.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness characterized by the false sense of movement — either you feel like you’re spinning, or the world around you is moving.It originates from disturbances in the inner ear or brain, which control balance and spatial orientation.
Common Causes of Vertigo
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear shift into the wrong place, triggering spinning sensations with head movements.
Meniere’s Disease: A condition linked to fluid buildup in the inner ear, often associated with ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss.
Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Viral infections causing inflammation of the inner ear nerves.
Migraines: Some people experience vertigo as part of migraine symptoms.
Head Injury or Trauma: Can disrupt the balance centers in the inner ear or brain.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Spinning sensation
Loss of balance or unsteadiness
Nausea or vomiting
Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
Headaches or ear fullness (in some cases)
How is Vertigo Diagnosed?
Diagnosis often includes:
Medical history and symptom review
Physical exam (balance and eye movement testing)
Special maneuvers (like the Dix-Hallpike test for BPPV)
Imaging (MRI or CT scan) if a neurological cause is suspected
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause, but may include:
Epley Maneuver or repositioning exercises for BPPV
Medications for nausea, inflammation, or inner ear issues
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT): Physical therapy exercises to retrain balance
Dietary changes (like reducing salt for Meniere’s disease)
Lifestyle support: Staying hydrated, managing stress, and avoiding sudden head movements
Functional Medicine Perspective
At The Green Leaf Clinic, we view vertigo not only as a balance disorder but also as a signal of deeper imbalance. Supporting gut health, reducing inflammation, and addressing triggers like stress, migraines, or nutrient deficiencies may help reduce recurrences.
Takeaway: Vertigo is treatable, but identifying the underlying cause is key. If you experience frequent or severe episodes, don’t ignore them — seek professional care.
Ready to take control of your health? Book a consultation with The Green Leaf Clinic today: www.thegreenleafclinic.com