Do you suffer from vertigo?

How a vitamin supplement can prevent recurrence

Photo by Conor Luddy on Unsplash

Most people have experienced head spin at some time in their lives, and not just after a night out and one too many. Vertigo is an inner ear disturbance that can affect anyone, but is most likely to affect older people. It’s also most likely to affect people with low levels of vitamin D.

Vertigo makes you feel as if you are spinning. You’re dizzy and lightheaded, and you may also feel nauseous and weak. It’s worse when you stand up or move your head.

Although considered almost always benign, vertigo can create fear and anxiety, because loss of balance means a potential fall. The anxiety it induces can affect behaviour: 86% of people with the condition say that it has resulted in missed days at work.

Like falling, vertigo is one of the most common problems associated with ageing. Not advanced ageing, either. Once you pass the 50 milestone, you’re in the at-risk demographic.

During an episode of vertigo, which usually lasts less than a minute, the vestibular system of the inner ear is disturbed. This system is a set of structures within the inner ear that helps maintain balance. It consists of a network of semicircular canals that are filled with fluid. The fluid changes with movement and this is detected by the brain.

Of all the vestibular disorders, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common. It is often triggered by changes to the head’s position – tipping your head up, or lying down.

When the vestibular system deteriorates, as it does with age, symptoms appear. These symptoms often coincide with other age-related health issues, including increased blood pressure and poor circulation.

Vertigo can also be a side effect of certain medications, including antidepressants, anti-seizure drugs and sedatives. Inner ear infections, iron deficiency anaemia, and low blood sugar can also be triggers.

You should seek emergency care if vertigo is accompanied by severe headache, double vision, fever, hearing loss, loss of consciousness, trouble speaking or hearing, numbess or tingling.

The vitamin D connection

BPPV is a recurrent condition usually caused by a disturbance to the microscopic crystals inside the semicircular canals.

These crystals – called otoconia – are important for maintaining balance and orientation. But they can become detached from their normal position and end up dislodged in the semicircular canals, confusing the brain’s sense of balance.

Otoconia crystals are composed of calcium carbonate, and this is where vitamin D comes in.