VERTIGO

[cali1979]

My company just moved into a new building in 2006 and since the move there have been 5 females (including myself) that have been diagnosed by a doctor of this condition.  This building we moved into is an older building and we are near a waste dump and a golf course in CA.  It seems too ironic that we all have this condition and there are 2 other females who were diagnosed prior to the move who have said that they are getting more frequent attacks since the move.  Various other employees have reported increased migraines and headaches around the ear region.

My questions are if vertigo is contagious and if not does it seem ironic that in an office of 75 people that 5 females get diagnosed in less than 6 months?  I'm only 28 and I had my first attack in May and a second attack in June!  I'm still recovering from my second attack as I feel light headed and dizzy.  I"m fearful of this and need any help I can get!

[chakrawoman99]

I TOTALLY AGREE WITH THE PERSON THAT WROTE TO U, GET WITH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO SEE WHATS GOING ON WITH YOUR BUILDING OR LEAVE, YOUR HEALTH IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THAT.

[Dr Santos]

How are you? Vertigo refers to the sensation of spinning or whirling that occurs as a result of a disturbance in balance. It also may be used to describe feelings of dizziness, light headedness, faintness, and unsteadiness. It is a symptom not a disease itself. It usually results from a disorder in the peripheral vestibular system  or structures of the inner ear. Some medications and environmental chemicals such as lead, mercury or  tin can cause ototoxicity which may result in damage to the inner ear or the 8th cranial nerve and cause vertigo. The damage can be permanent or temporary. It would be best to talk with your company or safety committee head about the presence of occupational hazards (such as chemicals) in your workplace to eliminate this cause.