Learn to recognise them, differentiate between them... and relieve them naturally
Sometimes all it takes is a sudden movement, getting up a little too quickly or a period of extreme fatigue for the world to seem to spin around you. Vertigo, that feeling of spinning or instability, is a common symptom that can affect people of any age. Although it is often benign, it can also be a warning sign of a more serious condition. It is therefore essential to learn how to identify its causes, understand how it works and implement practical solutions to relieve and prevent these uncomfortable, sometimes debilitating episodes.
Understanding vertigo: more than just a loss of balance
Vertigo is a misleading sensation of movement. You may feel as if your surroundings are spinning, or, conversely, that you yourself are moving when you are perfectly still. This illusion may be accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances, unsteadiness when walking, or even severe anxiety. It is not a disease in itself, but a symptom with multiple causes. The highly complex balance system involves the inner ear, eyes, brain, muscles and joints. As soon as one of these elements is disrupted, overall balance is disturbed.
Identifying the different possible causes
One of the most common causes is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It occurs during certain head movements: when turning over in bed, bending over, or simply looking up. This vertigo is caused by the displacement of small crystals in the inner ear. These particles abnormally stimulate the motion sensors, triggering a brief but intense sensation of spinning. Although frightening, this type of vertigo is benign and can usually be treated effectively with specific rehabilitation exercises, often performed with a physiotherapist.
Orthostatic hypotension is another common cause. It usually occurs when moving quickly from a sitting or lying position to a standing position. This phenomenon corresponds to a sudden drop in blood pressure, which causes a temporary decrease in blood flow to the brain. The sensation of dizziness is fleeting, but it can cause a fall if you do not take the time to sit down or stabilise yourself.
Some forms of more sudden and intense dizziness can be a sign of a stroke. This type of dizziness is often accompanied by other warning signs, such as:
- difficulty speaking or articulating,
- weakness or numbness on one side of the body,
- double vision or loss of coordination.
In this case, it is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
Finally, inner ear disorders such as Ménière's disease can cause intense bouts of dizziness associated with tinnitus, a feeling of ear fullness and sometimes hearing loss. These episodes are often unpredictable and can become debilitating if not properly treated.
The impact on daily life
Vertigo, whatever the cause, can have a significant impact on quality of life. It often causes anxiety, loss of self-confidence and apprehension about moving around. Fear of falling can lead to avoidance of certain situations, reduced physical activity and, in some cases, social isolation. When it becomes chronic or poorly managed, vertigo can profoundly affect independence and overall well-being.
It is therefore essential to take a preventive approach. This involves adapting the environment to limit the risk of falls, but also implementing rehabilitation routines and relaxation techniques to strengthen the balance system and relieve nervous tension.
Vestibular rehabilitation: a gentle method for regaining balance
When an inner ear disorder is involved, vestibular rehabilitation is particularly recommended. It aims to train the brain to compensate for balance dysfunctions by gradually stimulating the systems involved.
Some exercises can be done at home, such as:
- fixing your gaze on a point in front of you while slowly moving your head from left to right or up and down,
- following your finger with your eyes without moving your head to improve visual coordination.
These exercises should be performed regularly, in a safe environment, and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional at the outset. Gradually, they allow the brain to adapt to unusual sensations and regain more reliable stability.
Regaining confidence and stability
Vertigo should never be taken lightly. It deserves special attention, an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. With a better understanding of the possible causes and targeted rehabilitation, it is possible to regain control of your balance and regain full confidence in your movements.
Rather than suffering, it is possible to take action, step by step, gently, to regain a stable, peaceful and freer daily life.
