Imagine waking up one day to find that the world around you is spinning uncontrollably. For some, this sensation is more than just a fleeting moment — it is part of their daily life. Vertigo , a condition that affects the body’s sense of balance, can impact anyone, yet awareness about this condition is still limited. Almost 44% of individuals with vertigo experience spinning at least once a week. The intensity of Chakkar , or the spinning in vertigo, can vary, but it’s important not to dismiss it. Addressing it early leads to timely diagnosis and treatment and helps avoid future complications.
Globally, vertigo affects 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives, with nearly 70 million individuals in India impacted by this condition. Despite its frequency, many individuals dismiss their symptoms or delay seeking medical help until they feel it is absolutely necessary.
According to Dr. Renuka Bradoo, HOD & Consultant ENT & Skull Base Surgeon, Sion Hospital, Mumbai, “Vertigo is increasingly common in India, but many individuals do not recognize the symptoms, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Many people are unfamiliar with how to identify vertigo, a spinning sensation, and related symptoms like unsteadiness and nausea. Awareness on differentiating between chakkar due to dizziness and chakkar due to vertigo can help someone get the right diagnosis and treatment support.”
Understanding vertigo dizziness better
Dizziness is a passing feeling of light-headedness, unsteadiness, feeling off-balance, weak, or even giddy. In addition to this, when experiencing vertigo, it’s the sensation of your surroundings spinning around you that makes you feel like you are losing balance. Most people overlook vertigo, assuming it to be symptoms of low blood sugar, low blood pressure, dehydration, or stress.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a common symptom that can be caused by various underlying conditions, including vertigo. It’s crucial not to ignore dizziness, as it could be a sign of something more serious. There are different types of dizziness, each with its own characteristics:
Vertigo
A spinning sensation where you feel like you or your surroundings are moving when they’re not. Overall, patients complain about dizziness once every week or even more. The prevalence of people’s suffering is higher as the patient’s age progresses (Older patients (56+ yrs) suffer more frequently as compared to age groups of 41-55 yrs)
Disequilibrium
A feeling of unsteadiness or loss of balance, often without the spinning sensation
Presyncope
A sensation of feeling faint or lightheaded, as though you might pass out
Lightheadedness
A vague feeling of discomfort or a floating sensation, often associated with anxiety or dehydration
Understanding the type of dizziness you're experiencing can help in seeking the appropriate medical attention. Vertigo is characterized by its intense spinning sensation and should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Dr. Jejoe Karankumar, Medical Director, Abbott India says, “Raising awareness about vertigo is key to helping people with the knowledge and tools they need to get the right support. Common symptoms experienced by patients of vertigo, in addition to the spinning sensation, include headaches, head heaviness, and neck pain. This creates challenges to their personal lives, prompting them to cancel or miss attending important events and reduce the time they spend with their families. Encouraging early diagnosis and right treatment support can help reduce the impact of vertigo and enable patients to lead balanced and healthy lives.”
Managing vertigo effectively
Here are simple steps to manage vertigo effectively and improve quality of life.
Consulting a doctor for early diagnosis
If you experience vertigo and associated symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor and follow prescribed treatments and medications. Early diagnosis is key to address future complications. Being consistent with regular checkups can help monitor symptoms and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Manage vertigo with the right treatment
Vertigo can be managed through vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Consulting a doctor will help determine the most suitable treatment plan for your type of condition. Solutions like the Vertigo Coach App offer comprehensive information on vertigo management to help people stay on track and manage the condition with helpful services like pill reminders, lifestyle tips, and videos of specially designed exercises that can help one train their vestibular system (a sensory system that creates the sense of balance and movement of our head in space).
Optimizing sleeping position
Sleeping on your back and with your head elevated can help reduce vertigo symptoms. Avoid sleeping on the side, as that can trigger vertigo episodes.
Staying active
Gentle exercises like yoga and walking can enhance balance and reduce vertigo symptoms. Balance is a fundamental aspect of our daily life. By increasing awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and supporting those experiencing vertigo, we can empower individuals to maintain balance and lead fulfilling lives.
Globally, vertigo affects 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives, with nearly 70 million individuals in India impacted by this condition. Despite its frequency, many individuals dismiss their symptoms or delay seeking medical help until they feel it is absolutely necessary.
According to Dr. Renuka Bradoo, HOD & Consultant ENT & Skull Base Surgeon, Sion Hospital, Mumbai, “Vertigo is increasingly common in India, but many individuals do not recognize the symptoms, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Many people are unfamiliar with how to identify vertigo, a spinning sensation, and related symptoms like unsteadiness and nausea. Awareness on differentiating between chakkar due to dizziness and chakkar due to vertigo can help someone get the right diagnosis and treatment support.”
Understanding vertigo dizziness better
Dizziness is a passing feeling of light-headedness, unsteadiness, feeling off-balance, weak, or even giddy. In addition to this, when experiencing vertigo, it’s the sensation of your surroundings spinning around you that makes you feel like you are losing balance. Most people overlook vertigo, assuming it to be symptoms of low blood sugar, low blood pressure, dehydration, or stress.
Dizziness
Dizziness is a common symptom that can be caused by various underlying conditions, including vertigo. It’s crucial not to ignore dizziness, as it could be a sign of something more serious. There are different types of dizziness, each with its own characteristics:
Vertigo
A spinning sensation where you feel like you or your surroundings are moving when they’re not. Overall, patients complain about dizziness once every week or even more. The prevalence of people’s suffering is higher as the patient’s age progresses (Older patients (56+ yrs) suffer more frequently as compared to age groups of 41-55 yrs)
Disequilibrium
A feeling of unsteadiness or loss of balance, often without the spinning sensation
Presyncope
A sensation of feeling faint or lightheaded, as though you might pass out
Lightheadedness
A vague feeling of discomfort or a floating sensation, often associated with anxiety or dehydration
Understanding the type of dizziness you're experiencing can help in seeking the appropriate medical attention. Vertigo is characterized by its intense spinning sensation and should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Dr. Jejoe Karankumar, Medical Director, Abbott India says, “Raising awareness about vertigo is key to helping people with the knowledge and tools they need to get the right support. Common symptoms experienced by patients of vertigo, in addition to the spinning sensation, include headaches, head heaviness, and neck pain. This creates challenges to their personal lives, prompting them to cancel or miss attending important events and reduce the time they spend with their families. Encouraging early diagnosis and right treatment support can help reduce the impact of vertigo and enable patients to lead balanced and healthy lives.”
Managing vertigo effectively
Here are simple steps to manage vertigo effectively and improve quality of life.
Consulting a doctor for early diagnosis
If you experience vertigo and associated symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor and follow prescribed treatments and medications. Early diagnosis is key to address future complications. Being consistent with regular checkups can help monitor symptoms and adjust treatment plans as needed.
Manage vertigo with the right treatment
Vertigo can be managed through vestibular rehabilitation therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgical interventions. Consulting a doctor will help determine the most suitable treatment plan for your type of condition. Solutions like the Vertigo Coach App offer comprehensive information on vertigo management to help people stay on track and manage the condition with helpful services like pill reminders, lifestyle tips, and videos of specially designed exercises that can help one train their vestibular system (a sensory system that creates the sense of balance and movement of our head in space).
Optimizing sleeping position
Sleeping on your back and with your head elevated can help reduce vertigo symptoms. Avoid sleeping on the side, as that can trigger vertigo episodes.
Staying active
Gentle exercises like yoga and walking can enhance balance and reduce vertigo symptoms. Balance is a fundamental aspect of our daily life. By increasing awareness, encouraging early diagnosis, and supporting those experiencing vertigo, we can empower individuals to maintain balance and lead fulfilling lives.
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