Vertigo sufferers on the rise

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

Over five percent of Sri Lankans suffer from long term vertigo. Inadequate attention has led vertigo patients to suffer through their entire lives, consultant ENT surgeon Chandra Jayasooriya said.

She was speaking at a special workshop on vertigo at the General Hospital yesterday.

The workshop was organised by ENT Consultant Doctors’ Association and Neurosurgeons’ Association.

“Vertigo has become common in Sri Lanka. The number of vertigo patients that visit hospitals for treatment has increased tremendously,” Dr Jayasooriya said.

She said vertigo is only a symptom of a disease. Most doctors treat vertigo patients without identifying the disease. Hence, most vertigo patients have to take drugs continuously throughout their life time, she said. Dr Jayasooriya said vertigo patients should meet ENT doctors and neurologists for better treatment.

“ENT doctors, neurologists and physiotherapists have to play a joint role to control this condition. It is also necessary to establish separate clinics for vertigo patients since it takes about half and hour to examine the condition,” she said

The history of the patient is essential to diagnose the disease. Abnormalities of eyes, ears, brain, muscles and joints are the causes of vertigo. Vertigo can be cured through exercises, consultancy services, medications, etc, Dr Jayasooriya said .