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Can Vertigo Affect Your Balance? Tips for Staying Safe

Are you one of those million people who have felt the unsettling sensation of Vertigo? Well, you are not alone! Research shows that 40% of adults encounter this condition at some point in their lives. 

Vertigo disrupts your balance and leaves a significant impact on your life. This makes it crucial to understand its symptoms and know ways of managing it effectively.  

Want to know more about this condition? Then read on.

What Is Vertigo?

At the very core, Vertigo refers to a sensation of spinning or dizziness. Unlike regular dizziness, where one simply feels lightheaded, Vertigo creates a disorienting experience where you might feel as if your surroundings are moving. 

This feeling frequently stems from problems within the inner ear. It could also arise from issues present in the nervous system and brain.

Common Causes Of Vertigo

Here is a list of some common causes of Vertigo:

  • BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) – This is a condition where the present small calcium crystals in the ear become dislodged. 
  • Vestibular Neuritis – This condition refers to an inflammation of the Vestibular nerve which usually happens due to a viral infection. 
  • Meniere’s Disease – An inner ear disorder that leads to episodes of tinnitus hearing loss and vertigo. 

How Does Vertigo Affect Your Balance?

Vertigo’s impact on balance is significant. When you experience Vertigo, your brain struggles to assess information that your inner ear sends about the position of your body. This kind of disorientation leads to a lot of different problems:

Leads To Falls

The condition of Vertigo leads to unsteady movements. This heightens the risk of falls and injuries.

Loss Of Coordination

People with Vertigo face loss of coordination. This is when simple actions like standing and walking become difficult for them.

Builds Emotional Distress

The fear of falling leads to avoidance and anxiety of certain activities.

Best Tips For Staying Safe

Effective management of Vertigo involves both medical intervention and lifestyle adjustments. Here are a few practical tips to help you maintain balance and stay safe:

Make Sure To Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can further amplify your symptoms. Hence, it is important that you keep yourself hydrated at all times. Drink at least 7-8 glasses of water per day. 

Always Move Around Slowly

Making sudden movements can trigger Vertigo episodes. Hence, it is recommended that you always take your time when standing up, sitting down, or changing positions. 

Remember To Make Use Of Support

You can rely on handrails when using stairs or even when walking on uneven surfaces. Consider using a cane to get extra stability. 

Avoid Using/Being Around Bright Lights

Flickering and too-bright lights can intensify your feeling of dizziness. Rather go for softer lighting whenever possible. 

Limit Any Alcohol Usage

Alcohol can disrupt your balance and even worsen Vertigo symptoms. Hence you need to make sure to avoid the usage of alcohol. It will help curb your symptoms. 

Organize Your Space

Keep your home clutter-free to prevent trips and falls. You can arrange your furniture for easier navigation. 

Utilize Assistive Systems

You can opt to wear an alert bracelet or a pendant. This is even more of a requirement if you live alone. This can help the emergency responders in finding you quickly.

When To Get Medical Help?

If you experience persistent Vertigo consider consulting a healthcare provider. A doctor can conduct a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause. Early intervention is the key to effectively managing symptoms and preventing complications from arising.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend other treatments including:
. Medications
. VRT (Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy) or
. Surgery

To Conclude,

Do not let Vertigo take control of your life! It can severely affect your balance and daily activities. Understanding this condition is essentially the key to ensuring your safety and overall well-being. By implementing practical strategies and consulting with experts you can manage your symptoms in an effective manner. 

Contact Dr Rahul’s clinic for getting tailored guidance and support. Your health is too important to be put off! Take the first step with us towards reclaiming your life today!

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