The consequences of concussions can be traumatic and complex. Specifically, concussions are correlated with certain long-term disabilities among adults and children. For instance, concussion patients commonly report suffering from vertigo.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is the illusion that you or your surroundings are spinning, rotating or moving, despite actual movement. Many individuals will have trouble walking and/or lose their balance when experiencing vertigo. Moreover, nausea, vomiting, sweating, and pallor are symptoms commonly correlated with vertigo.
Physicians diagnose post-concussion vertigo through multiple exams that evaluate balance, hearing and dizziness.
How Common is Vertigo Among Concussion Patients?
Vertigo is the most common cause of dizziness among concussion patients. Researchers have elucidated that vertigo approximately impacts 50% of concussion patients.
What Causes Vertigo?
Behind the ears are three pairs of canals. These canals are responsible for the vestibular system. The vestibular system is crucial as the system ensures coordination and balance and thus, prevents individuals from experiencing dizziness. Concussions can disrupt or damage the vestibular system, resulting in vertigo. Furthermore, many conditions are associated with specific damage or injury to the vestibular system. Individuals who suffer from these conditions will simultaneously suffer from vertigo.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo experienced by concussion patients. BPPV occurs when the impact of forces experienced during concussions move the crystals in the inner canals out of place. As a result, the free-floating crystals move around the inner canal. This makes individuals sensitive to gravity changes, which further triggers symptoms of vertigo.
BPPV is typically induced when the head is moved in different positions. For instance, getting out of bed is a movement that commonly induces BPPV.
Other Conditions that Cause Vertigo
Labyrinthine concussion is a condition that occurs due to injury or damage to nerves associated with the vestibular system. This condition causes post-concussion vertigo and imbalance.
Traumatic endolymphatic hydrops is a condition that occurs when the fluid balance in the inner canal is disrupted. This condition causes short-term periods of vertigo and ringing in the ears.
Common Triggers of Vertigo
Vertigo may also be caused by unrelated conditions that do not cause damage to the inner ear. These are identified as triggers of vertigo.
Common triggers of vertigo may include, but is not limited to:
- Blowing or straining of the nose
- Migraines and/or headaches
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Flickering lights
- Specific head movements
- Computer screens
Prognosis of Post-Concussion Vertigo
Multifaceted treatment options are required for post-concussion vertigo as vertigo is frequently associated with other conditions or symptoms. In particular, treatment for post-concussion vertigo consists of a combination of physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and medication. Physicians may also recommend surgery to treat post-concussion vertigo. However, this is not a common treatment option as non-invasive treatment options are preferred.
The majority of post-concussion vertigo cases will resolve within a year of injury. Nonetheless, many concussion patients will continue to suffer from post-concussion vertigo for several years. This causes a detrimental disruption to the daily lives of concussion patients, as long-term post-concussion vertigo may cause psychological distress. Among this, research studies have indicated that suffering from post-concussion vertigo for long periods is correlated with higher rates of unemployment, lower academic achievements, and prolonged recovery.
It is critical for concussion survivors to reach out to loved ones and health care professionals if they are experiencing post-concussion vertigo. This may mitigate the risk of suffering from post-concussion vertigo for long periods. It is also crucial to educate the general population on post-concussion vertigo. Therefore, we encourage you to educate those around you!
Written by Dorothy Dinh
References
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