What is the cause of vertigo and what is the remedy?

Vertigo

Q. What is the cause of vertigo and what is the remedy?

A. There are various causes. Here are a few: Menier's disease, a disease of the inner ear or labyrinth; arteriosclerosis; anemia; gen­eral weakness, especially a weak heart; intestinal toxemia or autointoxication due to constipation and colon infection.

When the attacks of vertigo occur only occa­sionally they are very likely due to indigestion. It must be remembered, however, that in certain mild forms of epilepsy the patient suffers from attacks which are often described as vertigo, the so-called petit mal. When the vertigo is constant or very frequent, some profound disturbance of the bodily functions almost certainly exists. This may be hardening of the arteries, degeneration of the heart or kidneys, or some other grave condition. Occasionally the giddiness may be the result of the use of drugs, especially of headache powders and sleep-producing drugs. Bro­mide of potash causes very severe vertigo when freely used.

In every case of vertigo the cause must be diligently sought for and removed. When the attack is accompanied by pallor, the patient should lie down; or if this is inconvenient, he may simply bend the body forward so as to hold the head as low down as possible. If the face is flushed, the patient should lie down with the head well propped up and cold cloths should be applied to the neck and head.

Not infrequently the cause of giddiness is simply constipation. Poisons absorbed from the colon affect the brain as do certain drugs. An enema may be given for temporary relief, but the real remedy will be found in training the bowels to move well three or four times a day.

Certain persons suffer from vertigo after tak­ing an enema. The cause may be the drawing of too much blood to the abdominal vessels. Using water at 80° F. or less will usually prevent the vertigo.

Vertigo is likely to follow a very long hot bath because of the weakening effect of the bath upon the heart and the great dilatation of the sur­face vessels. A dash of cold water will cause the symptom to disappear.

Vertigo with pallor may usually be relieved by a dash of cold water upon the face and chest or by applying hot cloths to the head.

Neurasthenics often suffer much from vertigo. In such cases the vertigo is usually accompanied by a feeling of constriction or a "band sensation in the head with a sensation of pressure at the back of the head. There are also numbness" and other disturbances of sensation in various parts of the body. In these cases, hot applica­tions to the top and back of the head afford re­lief. Bathing the face with hot water is also beneficial.