What illness causes the constant sensation of feeling an earthquake?
Nov 22, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
A frequent sensation of body swaying as if caused by an earthquake may result from conditions such as cerebral ischemia, Ménière's disease, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and treatment should be based on the specific cause. Additionally, patients with cerebellar infarction may also experience symptoms of feeling earthquakes or body shaking. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause. Adequate rest should be maintained during treatment, and vigorous physical activity should be avoided.
Feeling body sway as if experiencing an earthquake frequently may be caused by insufficient cerebral blood supply, Ménière's disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or other conditions. Treatment should be based on the specific cause.
1. Insufficient Cerebral Blood Supply
Cerebrovascular diseases caused by hypertension, or gradual narrowing of cerebral blood vessels due to atherosclerosis, can lead to inadequate blood and oxygen supply to the brain. This may result in symptoms such as body swaying, unsteadiness when standing, dizziness, and headaches. Medications such as aspirin tablets, ginkgo leaf extract tablets, and atorvastatin calcium tablets may be taken orally.
2. Ménière's Disease
Patients with Ménière's disease may experience dizziness, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, or a frequent sensation of body swaying as if during an earthquake, due to inner ear disorders. Oral medications such as dimenhydrinate tablets, betahistine hydrochloride tablets, and dimenhydrinate tablets may be used.
3. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
If BPPV is caused by head injury, otitis media, or toxic neuritis, symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, vomiting, or a persistent sensation of body swaying after feeling an earthquake may occur. Treatments include oral nimodipine tablets or difenidol hydrochloride tablets, and manual repositioning maneuvers may also be effective.
In addition, patients with cerebellar infarction may also experience sensations of earthquake-like body shaking. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Adequate rest and avoidance of vigorous physical activity are also important during treatment.
