A steady rise in cases of seasonal vertigo has been reported in several hospitals in Bengaluru, with doctors attributing it to heat stress and
dehydration.
Doctors say that summer conditions often cause orthostatic symptoms and worsen pre-existing disorders, leading to increased complaints of dizziness and imbalance.
Dr Suryanarayana Sharma PM, Senior Consultant Neurologist and Academic Consultant Stroke Specialist at a private hospital, said f“An increase in Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) symptoms is probably caused by endolymph dynamics that are affected by relative dehydration. More non-specific dizziness syndromes, especially in young people exposed to heat, and greater frequency of orthostatic intolerance mimicking vertigo.
reported.”
He said orthostatic vertigo has become more prevalent in younger women.
“Women experience a greater burden of symptoms due to hormonal considerations, migraine vulnerability, lower body mass, anemia, pregnancy and low blood pressure,” said Dr Sharma.
Doctors say the weather may not directly cause dizziness, but it can surface or worsen symptoms.
Dr Basavaraj S Kumbar, Consultant Internal Medicine, said: “Changes in weather cause vertigo. The fluid in the inner ear that controls balance breaks down due to changes in atmospheric pressure, humidity and temperature changes. The combination of hot weather, dehydration and seasonal viral infections create conditions that lead to dizziness and balance problems.”
Dizziness, one of the most common symptoms of vertigo, is often confused with low blood pressure.
Doctors also warn that dizziness can signal serious neurological conditions such as stroke.
Dr Lokesh B, Senior Consultant, Neurology, said: “Especially when it is sudden and severe and is accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty speaking, weakness on one side of the body, double vision or trouble walking, it is usually a stroke. However, such cases can sometimes be missed in the early stage by mistaking it for dizziness.”
