Doctor Vu Van Nam, from the Department of Neurology and Stroke at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi, explains that dizziness is a common symptom, occurring in various medical conditions. However, not everyone can differentiate between benign dizziness caused by vertigo and the more dangerous dizziness associated with a stroke. Both can cause imbalance, nausea, and vomiting, but their nature and severity differ significantly. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for treatment and prognosis.
Dizziness from vertigo is commonly classified as central or peripheral. The peripheral vestibular system, located in the inner ear, maintains balance and spatial orientation. Peripheral vertigo includes conditions like labyrinthitis, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and Meniere's disease. These are generally benign and less dangerous. Central vertigo, however, can be caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain, brain tumors, or diseases of the central nervous system. This type needs to be distinguished from stroke due to similar symptoms, especially in the early stages.
According to Dr. Nam, peripheral vertigo often causes a spinning sensation, as if everything is revolving, worsening with changes in position like lying down to sitting up, turning the head, or bending over. Patients may experience sweating but remain conscious, without limb weakness or speech impairment. They retain normal motor function, sensation, language, and consciousness. The dizziness can last from a few minutes to several hours and usually improves with rest.
Dr. Nam cautions that a stroke in the brainstem or cerebellum can also trigger dizziness. This is a serious condition requiring emergency care. Stroke-induced dizziness typically appears suddenly, unrelated to changes in position, and is often accompanied by neurological symptoms. The dizziness tends to worsen and doesn't improve with rest. Other accompanying symptoms include weakness or paralysis of the limbs, double vision, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, reduced or lost sensation on one side of the body, and loss of coordination. Some cases may involve impaired consciousness, irregular breathing, low blood pressure, or coma.
Dizziness from a stroke can be a warning sign of severe brain damage. If overlooked or treated late, patients risk hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body), aphasia (loss of speech), or even death. Conversely, benign vertigo usually resolves with medical treatment and vestibular rehabilitation exercises.
Patients experiencing persistent dizziness of unknown cause should seek medical attention for a proper examination. Doctors will conduct a neurological assessment, evaluate cardiovascular and vestibular risks, and perform imaging tests to determine the cause and provide timely treatment.
Linh Dang
Readers can submit questions about neurological conditions here for doctors to answer. |