Vertigo is a balance disorder that can lead to a sudden, unpleasant sensation that makes one feel like the world is spinning around. It is disturbing and can happen without warning, so it is important to not dismiss it as just a moment of dizziness. Over 9.9 million people in India experience vertigo.
Vertigo is more common in the elderly, with 30% of people over 60 and 50% over 85 experiencing it. India’s elderly population is expected to reach 194 million by 2031, and a sudden attack can be alarming and increase the risk of falls and fractures. The fear of falling can also trigger psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, as well as panic attacks, taking a toll on their wellbeing. Once its cause is known, doctors can recommend ways to treat it and provide long-term relief.
This can include physical therapy, medication, psychotherapy, etc. Dr. Michael Strupp, Professor of Neurology, Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and BalanceDisorders, Hospital of the Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany said, “Despite its high prevalence, there is a lack of awareness about the condition amongst both patients and healthcare professionals[i]. But once someone is accurately diagnosed, it is treatable.
