Vertigo is often a symptom of binocular vision dysfunction and may manifest as a severe sensitivity to motion, or veritable “visual vertigo.” This sense of dizziness can result in poor depth perception and a feeling of being continuously off balance.

Sudden Sensations

In the case of paroxysmal positional vertigo, patients often describe a sudden sensation of spinning, or, in certain instances, a feeling that the inside of their head is rotating. These brief episodes of mild to intense dizziness are usually triggered by changes in position—either to the head or the body as a whole. Though symptoms can come and go, their unexpected recurrence can increase the chance of falls. 

Additional signs may include loss of balance, unsteadiness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and abnormal rhythmic eye movements. While the terms are commonly used interchangeably, vertigo it best defined as a type of dizziness marked by a spinning sensation, whereas standard episodes of dizziness include lightheadedness, equilibrium imbalance, and other common disorienting conditions.

Underlying Concerns

Vertigo is typically found in people age 60 and over, mainly women. As it can be associated with more serious diseases as well, it’s important to obtain a proper diagnosis to determine if further treatment is required. Numerous disorders interfering with sensory functions including vision, balance, or proprioception—perception or awareness of the position and movement of the body—can result in vertigo.

This can occur in the absence of motion, or when it is sensed inaccurately. Head motion, in general, is perceived by the vestibular labyrinth—the only sensory organ in the body capable of sending direct primary afferent projections to the cerebellar cortex and nuclei—and by vision.  

Relief for symptoms of vertigo can include a series of head maneuvers, as well as neuro visual therapy. Some cases will improve naturally over time sans treatment, though it’s recommended that you seek the guidance of a physician to rule out more serious underlying causes.

For more information on treatment for vertigo, contact the Northport Wellness Center today.