By Lucia Weeks


Small children love to twirl in a circle to experience the novel sensations of dizziness. They are experimenting with distorting the normal way people sustain physical orientation, and learning how the common perceptions of upright balance can be over-ridden. Vertigo is far more than simple dizziness, and results in the panicky feeling that an individual or surroundings are uncontrollably spinning. Vertigo treatment in Toronto, ON helps victims combat this condition.

When they are not voluntary, dizzy sensations can actually be dangerous. They are a primary contributor to falls that can cause not only short-term injury, but also longer-lasting disabilities for many elderly people. While not confined specifically to the aged, a combination of normal aging, decreased flexibility and mobility, and many commonly prescribed medications can exacerbate the problem.

For many, the main culprit is a disease or medication that changes the function of the inner ear. The joints, muscles, soles of the feet, eyes, an inner ear all transmit data to the brain regarding body position. The primary structure within the inner ear is filled with fluid, and is called the labyrinth. When changes or movements occur, the liquid shifts, helping the brain automatically compensate for the imbalance.

When communications and data input become physically distorted, the eyes often begin to move in response to a perceived motion, resulting in a feeling of intense vertigo and disorientation. One of the most common forms is BPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, a condition that may be caused by unusual calcium deposits within the inner ear. It can occur at any stage of life.

Another related ailment is Meniere's disease, whose hallmark also includes generalized hearing loss. The problem creates a buildup of fluids, and the appearance of tinnitus, or hearing a constant underlying noise, can be a sign of possible future issues. In many cases, people have suffered a previous viral infection that triggered inflammation surrounding the inner ear structure, creating long-term damage.

A history of neck or head injuries, a stroke, or even serious migraine headaches can trigger an episode. During that time patients may become nauseated or experience profuse sweating. They may not be able to hear or comprehend normal speech, and sometimes show other signs of disorientation. While these symptoms may be unpredictable, they can last for hours. Fighting them effectively requires identifying and altering the underlying issues.

A treatment termed vestibular rehabilitation is designed to compensate for incorrect sensory information. It can be effective for those who have ongoing issues by intentionally circumventing the normal physical responses to movement. Patients find relief through individual training that creates specific body and head motions proven effective in dislodging calcium deposits, and which can be easily learned.

Certain medications originally designed for motion sickness can also help reduce nausea, and prescribed antibiotics and steroids may limit inflammation. In the worst cases, surgical treatment may become necessary. Even though a specific attack may wane, repeated occurrences should never be ignored. While some occurrences simply disappear on their own, all carry the potential for injury, making medical attention advisable.




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