The Medical definition for vertigo is dizziness and feeling as if you’re spinning when you are not, or things are dizzily turning about you. Vertigo in itself can be a symptom of other conditions. There are several causes of vertigo:
- The most benign cause of vertigo occurs when tiny crystals break off from the inner ear canal and overstimulate cells that are sensitive to movement.
- Certain head movements can trigger vertigo that only last a few minutes
- An infection in the inner ear
- Hormonal changes
- Travel may cause vertigo when you go from a state of movement to standing on static ground can cause dizziness
- Some people experience vertigo after spending an extended time lying down like being sick or injured
- Cervical vertigo can occur due to poor neck posture, neck disorders, or trauma to the cervical spine cause this condition. Cervical vertigo often results from a head injury that disrupts head and neck alignment, or whiplash.
- Genetic factors
- When vertigo is induced by visual triggers such as patterns on fabrics or wallpaper this is called visual vertigo
Yes, eye problems can cause vertigo. Diagnosis always starts with understanding the patient’s situation. This is because any issue between the eyes and brain can create dizziness when the eye muscles are repeatedly working to align and correct themselves. A comprehensive eye exam will determine if there is eyestrain or incorrect eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions.
Treatment then starts with that underlying cause. Many who suffer from visual vertigo are post-concussion patients or some other TBI (traumatic brain injury).
In many cases, dizziness can be caused by binocular vision problems. When the eyes are misaligned, they receive conflicting signals from the brain and can deviate from their correct position. The eyes, therefore, strain to put the images back together for a unified and clear view of their surroundings. The extra stress on the eye muscles can cause them to quiver, leading to light-headedness or dizziness.
There is no pharmaceutical therapy to treat Vision-Related Vertigo if it is determined to be a visual problem at the root of vertigo. However, a neuro-optometric therapist can offer rehabilitation help.
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