A dizzy spell or feeling disoriented often gets the following response

"You need to sit down"

"Have some water"

"Do you need some sugar or chocolate?"

For quite a few folks that might not be what they need. Unfortunately, one of the most percetible symptoms for Vertigo is also shared with a couple of other conditions like dehydration, low blood pressure episode etc.

Vertigo is more common than you may think. Often, friends and family do not understand vertigo or what to do about it. Wondering how you can tell the difference or help in such situations? Here's how

Do Your Research

Vertigo is often an indicator of a bigger health issue. There are many types of vertigo and their frequencies and intensities vary based on the root cause. This significantly impacts treatment. If you are a caregiver for someone with vertigo, it is important that you know about the different types of vertigo so you can support them appropriately. Vertigo can be of two types: one occurs occasionally, and the second repeats itself at a certain frequency or under certain situations.

The common causes of vertigo include:

• Labyrinthitis, an ear infection of the labyrinth ( Inner ear).
• Vestibular neuronitis, caused by viral inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for balance in the body.
• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), caused by deposits that move in to the wrong part of the inner ear, which manages the sense of balance in the body.
• Ménière's disease, a long-term disorder of the inner ear which can be addressed with medication and appropriate changes to diet.
• Central vertigo, caused by migraines, brain tumours or problems in a part of the brain like the cerebellum or the brain stem.
• Stroke, head and neck injuries.
• Dehydration.
• Vitamin D deficiency.

Timely diagnosis and treatment of these conditions have been known to help stop vertigo. You can familiarize yourself with the causes so you can direct someone who might be having vertigo to the right help.

Identify and Decrease Triggers

Stress is one of the triggers for vertigo. By helping your friend or family member deal with stress, you can help them maintain better overall health.

Lack of sleep can also aggravate the conditions that cause vertigo. Help your loved one create and follow a routine where their work and personal schedule allows them to get ample sleep every day.

Alcohol can directly increase the severity and frequency of vertigo. As a friend, you can make a lot of difference to a loved one by ensuring that they stay away from alcohol. Try finding alcohol-free activities and hobbies you can participate in together.

Help Prevent Symptoms

If you know what triggers vertigo in your friend or family member, you can take active steps to mitigate the problem and help them lead normal lives even as they deal with their condition.

Work with the person to maintain their medication schedules. Medication prescribed by doctors for such conditions can help keep the symptoms under control. You can also encourage them to practice the exercises for vertigo as recommended by their doctor on a regular basis.

A person who has vertigo is at an increased risk of losing their balance and falling, so watch out for situations that might compromise their safety. You should ensure that they avoid climbing ladders and operating machinery when they are prone to vertigo spells. Be careful to not leave around objects that create a tripping hazard.

Vertigo is a condition that can be managed with appropriate measures. While the condition persists, take care that your loved ones avoid hazardous situations. Give them the emotional support they seek and show that you understand and sympathise with their real struggles.

Disclaimer: This publication/editorial/article is meant for awareness/educational purposes and does not constitute or imply an endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation of any Products. Please consult your doctor/healthcare practitioner before starting any diet, medication or exercise.