Treating a Patients with Vertigo

Treating a Patients with Vertigo When a patient comes to the emergency room complaining of vertigo, in most cases it's taken very seriously. This can be a sign of a stroke, a tumor, an aneurysm; the list goes on. In most cases, the patient is admitted to undergo further testing.

Fall Risk A patient that is dizzy will most likely have an armband on indicating they are at risk for falls. This should be considered when examining the patient.

Even having them lean forward to listen to lung quality could create even more of a vertigo sensation, possibly causing them to fall out of bed. Be sure the rails are up so the fall may possibility is avoided. If the patient needs to lean forward, offer a hand and move with extreme ease, no sudden movements. When complete, assist them to lie back. Providing a portable toilet to sit right by the patient's bed is a good idea for safety reasons, walking should be, limited to times someone can accompany them. Make sure the patient understands not to attempt walking without assistance.

Associated Conditions Most often, when someone is dizzy, they feel a level of nausea as well. This may or may not include vomiting, but it can make them feel as though they need to. Ginger ale male help, soothe the stomach, and make sure the patient has an adequate amount of food in the stomach prior to medication time. For extreme vomiting associated with vertigo, a doctor should be alerted. This may require an immediate CT scan to rule out emergencies.

Related: How to Handle Your Anxiety on the Job Causes of Vertigo There are many potential causes of vertigo. One very common reason is an inner ear infection. This can cause people to lose their balance, and can be dangerous. The inner ear has a direct connection to dizziness, and this can be applied to patients that have undergone ear surgery.

Another common reason for vertigo in BPPV, which stands for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This happens when calcium particles build up in the canal of the ear. The inner ear relates to the brain regarding head and body movements associated with gravity, this helps maintain balance.

BPPV appears to happen for no specific reason, and age does not seem to be a determining factor. Vestibular neuritis is an inner ear condition, and the problem most often related to infection. The infection causes inflammation in the inner air around the nerves. These nerves are important for

maintaining a sense of balance.

Vertigo can also be a result of a brain or neck injury. If an injury has occurred, the vertigo could very well represent a more serious problem and should be checked by a physician.

Related: The Happy Side of Nursing Treating Vertigo Vertigo can be treated in most cases. Rehab therapy is one successful method that works to have the patient acknowledge the vertigo, yet gain control over it. This is a biofeedback type method that, with practice has a high success rate. Medications can be used for vertigo, although the reason for the condition still needs to be investigated.

A Patient with Vertigo A patient went to an emergency room with a feeling of dizziness. He was waiting to be seen in the ER when he made the decision to go in search of a vending machine, thinking maybe his sugar was, low. He purchased his drink on the second floor, and walked over to the rail to see if the crowd in the ER had lessened. He completely lost his balance as he looked down, and the next thing he knew, he woke up after surgery. He had fallen from a second floor balcony due to his vertigo. He ended up with several broken bones, and a concussion. After an examination it was determined the vertigo stemmed from an ear infection. What would have been a minor problem with an easy fix, turned into 3 weeks in the hospital. Any patient that is seen by the triage Nurse, complaining of vertigo symptoms, should be monitored or at least advised to stay seated until they are evaluated.

There really is no way to avoid vertigo in most cases. If a patient suffers from an ear infection, advising them to take all medications could help avoid a case of vertigo. Otherwise, there really is no way to predict or avoid being dizzy. Some viruses and colds can create a feeling of unease or dizziness; patients should take precautions until the dizziness has passed. Falls can be a direct result of vertigo, and falls can be very serious. Any patient complaining of dizziness should be closely monitored and observed.

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