Do we all enjoy going up and down in a great giant wheel, or in the cable car across the valley, or simply strolling out with your friend on the terrace of a tall skyscraper. Many of you would answer yes and some of you would have their stomachs churned up. For those some, there would be an unconscious fear of heights, still some others would be happy to go through all the above given experiences, lest they are made to look down from the heights.Yes, you got it right,  all these are scared of looking down and feeling dizzy or vertigo.

Understanding vertigo
Vertigo is basically balance disorder. It occurs due to a problem in the inner ear or the brain. But is more commonly used to describe symptoms of dizziness especially when looking down from great heights or after experiencing the to and fro motions or circular motions  like those rides of giant wheel, merry go round, or roller coaster in the fun fairs.

Illyngophhobia
Illyngophobia is the fear of dizziness or vertigo. It is a specific phobia. It is one of the complicated phobias that are difficult to diagnose.This is because the symptoms of a vertigo and any phobia including illyngophobia are very much similar.

Causes
1.  Generally, it may be associated with an unknown fear of heights or falling down from heights.

2. Witnessing someone else with the problem also triggers the fear.

3. Repeatedly hearing or being instructed on the threats of leaning ahead from heights, especially in the young children.

4. Seeing someone else or hearing someone’s traumatic experience with the rides or looking down from the heights.

5. Could be hereditary or genetic, though rare.

Symptoms
1. Symptoms of illyngophobia are similar to any other phobia, like panic attacks on confronting the triggering factor,severe nausea, dizziness,choking, palpitations, irregular heart beats rapid pulse, apprension etc.

2. Person with illyngophobia avoids visiting places on higher floors, or enjoying the rides. these symptoms may be so intense that the person may change his job or residence too avoid this fear.

3.  The person also avoids to move out in the evening or dark, so as to avoid the formation of shadows.

Treatment
1. As in the other phobias,illyngophobia laso equires a good counselor. the counselor helps the person to understand his fear and the problems associated with it.

2. Hypnotherapy is also a goodoption.however this may not be adopted before proper diagnosis.

3. Cognitive behavior therapy -- this therapy is carried out by the professionals. The person is exposed to his fear triggering situations repeatedly gradually and in a controlled situation. this repeated encounters help the person to slowly overcome his/her fears.

4. Drugs like mild sedatives or antidepressants could also be used, but their effects are not long lasting.Symptoms may reappear ones the drugs are stopped.

5. Deep breathing exercises and meditation also work wonders.    

The author of this article is Rashmi Nandgaonkar, a registered nurse and mid-wife currently managing her own hospital in India. She has also successfully completed numerous workshops in special education on special children and ayurvedic cooking. Recipient of the Mayors award for the title of Best Nurse during her working experience. She is an avid reader, enjoys creative cooking and spending spare time with her kids.
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