What is the difference between swaying and turning vertigo?

First of all, the two types of vertigo differ in how the person affected feels. In the case of rotational vertigo, those affected describe that they feel “like being on a merry-go-round”. So they have the feeling that everything revolves around them, where the name “Drehschwindel” comes from.The cause of rotational vertigo is usually organic, the organ of equilibrium or related structures are most often affected. Schwank vertigo, on the other hand, is often psychogenic, for example phobic. People who suffer from swaying vertigo describe this feeling as if they were on a ship that was swaying back and forth.

Duration

How long the dizziness lasts depends on the underlying cause. It can be from seconds to hours; the duration cannot be determined in a generalized way. Since the vertigo is often a consequence of a phobic episode, the vertigo usually lasts as long as this episode.

However, this is very different for each individual. If insufficient blood supply to the brain is the cause of the dizziness, it can continue until the circulation returns to normal. However, unconsciousness can also occur if this condition lasts too long.

Therapy

In the case of phobic swaying vertigo, which has a psychogenic cause, behavioral therapy measures often lead to an improvement. Various relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen and autogenic training, are helpful tools in the treatment. Active pharmaceutical ingredients used in the symptomatic treatment of motion sickness include scopolamine, dimenhydrinate, cinnarizine and meclizine.

Before taking the drugs, a consultation at the pharmacy is useful. Various drugs are used in the therapy of vertigo due to cervical spine syndrome. They relieve pain, have an anti-inflammatory effect and relieve muscle tension.

Furthermore, conservative measures such as physiotherapy and physical applications can lead to an improvement of symptoms and muscle relaxation. Malpositions of the bony skeleton that result in muscle tension are treated by means of appropriate muscle training or orthopedic insoles. In the treatment of vertigo in the context of an eye disease, the appropriate therapy of the underlying cause helps.

This can be, for example, the prescription of glasses with the appropriate visual strength. In the case of vertigo, a doctor should be consulted for further clarification. The various causes of vertigo almost all require a therapy that is prescribed by a doctor.

First of all, it is important to become aware of the characteristics of vertigo. What form of vertigo is present – is it a rotational or a vestibular vertigo? How long does the vertigo last?

How often does it occur? Does the vertigo occur at rest and/or in motion? Can certain triggers be filtered out?

Are vegetative symptoms such as palpitations and sweating felt in addition to dizziness? Do nausea, headaches and changes in hearing and vision occur? In the acute situation it helps to lie down or sit down.

If this increases the dizziness symptoms, holding on to a static object can reduce the fear of falling. The eyes should be directed towards an object in the distance and the neck should be moved as little as possible. In all this, deep, calm breathing plays a particularly important role.

It supplies the brain with sufficient oxygen and at the same time has a calming effect. If the dizziness occurs primarily when traveling, it is advisable to spend a large part of the time asleep. Attempts can be made to treat dizziness homeopathically, even if this therapeutic option has not been scientifically proven.

The following remedies can help. In cases of exhaustion, e.g. due to lack of sleep, taking Ambra grisea could have positive effects. If a phobic swaying vertigo is present as a result of an anxiety disorder, Argentum nitricum could provide help. Gelsemium is recommended against dizziness caused by tension in the neck or visual disturbances.