It is normal to experience vertigo on amusement park rides.
Globus--a chronic lump in the throat, and vertigo--the feeling of being off balance, can be caused separately by specific medical disorders or can occur simultaneously because of psychological factors, especially panic-related disorders. Treatment for physical causes of vertigo vary from surgery on the inner ear to antibiotic therapy. Globus has no known medical cure, but techniques that relieve tension--like bio feedback--often reduce the symptoms so it clears up on its own.
Physical Causes of Globus
Constantly clearing your throat is a sign of globus.
Commonly referred to as a "lump in the throat," globus is usually not painful, but makes it difficult to swallow and speak clearly. Globus can be physically caused by throat diseases like reflux laryngitis or spasms of the cricopharyngeal muscle in the esophagus. It is rarely a cancerous growth because such lumps do not create the same symptoms.
Psychological Causes of Globus
Nervous sitations can cause temporary globus.
When no physical cause can be diagnosed, as is often the case, psychological conditions are explored since they often can create such symptoms, but usually only for short periods of time. Psychologist have found that globus--especially when combined with vertigo--can be an indication of hysterical neurosis brought on by stress and panic attacks. Often the symptoms clear up when a persistent stress is identified and removed so that a normal heart rate can be achieved.
Treatment of Globus
There are no specific drugs that treat globus.
If globus is cause by physical problems in the throat, treatments that relate to gastronomical issues can sometimes bring relief. If there is an obstruction in the throat, surgery is used to correct the situation. Also warm liquids and muscle relaxants are recommended to reduce the symptoms. Relaxation techniques like bio-feedback and meditation can ease psychological globus.
Physical Causes of Vertigo
Ear infections can cause vertigo.
Chronic vertigo is most often associated with inner ear issues like bacterial infections or Meniere's disease. Another common cause is restricted blood circulation to the brain. Severe vertigo is often accompanied by ringing in the ears and headaches or migraines. The motion involved in travel on airplanes or boats also cause attacks of vertigo, but usually clears up within hours of completing the journey.
Psychological Causes of Vertigo
Relaxing activites reduce stress-related vertigo attacks.
Since persistent vertigo often disappears when a sufferer relaxes or goes on vacation, psychologists have been able to link it to stress-related disorders like panic attacks and hysteria. Chronic psychological conditions like acrophobia (fear of heights) and agoraphobia (fear of public places) can also cause severe vertigo attacks.
Vertigo Treatment
There are many "off the shelf" remedies for vertigo.
Over-the-counter antihistamine medication like Dramamine or Benadryl can help relieve vertigo symptoms, especially if they are associated with nausea, as well as herbal remedies like ginger tea. Acupressure wrist bands seem to help travelers deal with vertigo but have not been scientifically proven to be effective. Surgical procedures can correct inner ear imbalances or deaden nerves that send vertigo signals to the brain.
