Steven Smith Exits Ashes Test Last Minute With Vertigo Being The Unexpected Culprit, What You Should Know!

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On the morning of the 3rd Ashes Test match at Adelaide, Australia's star batsman and former Test captain Steven Smith was ruled out after reporting vertigo-like symptoms, including dizziness and nausea. Cricket Australia confirmed it was likely a vestibular issue linked to the inner ear, which plays a key role in balance. He had been feeling unwell for a couple of days and had already missed training earlier in the week.

Despite being named in Australia's playing XI, Smith underwent a fitness assessment on match day. With symptoms persisting, the medical team and selectors decided not to risk playing him. He withdrew just before the toss and left the ground.

Photo Credit: MyKhel

Usman Khawaja was called in at the last minute to bat at No. 4, while Pat Cummins resumed captaincy after returning from injury. Cricket Australia has indicated that Smith's condition is being managed carefully and expects him to be available for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, subject to recovery.

The episode has also brought attention to a condition that's often misunderstood: vertigo. So what exactly is it, and why can it be so disruptive even for elite athletes?

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is not general dizziness. It's a specific sensation of movement feeling like you or your surroundings are spinning, tilting, or swaying when nothing is actually moving.

This false sense of motion happens when there's a disturbance in the body's balance system, most commonly linked to the inner ear.

Common Symptoms Of Vertigo

Vertigo can look and feel different from person to person, but typical symptoms include:

• A spinning or swaying sensation
• Trouble maintaining balance or feeling unsteady
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness triggered by head movements
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or temporary hearing changes in some cases
• Episodes that may last seconds, minutes, or stretch longer

In more intense cases, standing or walking can feel unsafe, which is why rest and caution are often advised.

What Causes Vertigo?

Vertigo occurs when signals between the inner ear and the brain don't line up properly. The most common causes fall into two broad categories.

Inner-Ear Related Causes

These account for the majority of vertigo cases:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):

Tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear shift out of place, triggering vertigo with head movements.

Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis:

Inflammation-often viral-affecting the vestibular nerve or inner ear, leading to sudden and severe vertigo.

Ménière's disease:

A condition involving excess fluid in the inner ear, causing recurring vertigo along with hearing issues or tinnitus.

Other Possible Causes

• Migraines, even without a headache
• Head or neck injuries
• Certain medications that affect nerve signals or the inner ear
• Rare neurological conditions such as stroke or multiple sclerosis, usually accompanied by other warning signs

How Vertigo Actually Happens

Your vestibular system, located in the inner ear, contains fluid-filled canals and sensory organs that help your brain understand movement and balance.

When this system is disrupted by inflammation, misplaced crystals, or nerve issues, it sends incorrect signals to the brain. The brain interprets this as movement, even when you're still. That mismatch is what creates vertigo.

Can Vertigo Be Prevented?

Not all cases are preventable, but episodes can often be reduced or managed with the right approach.

Lifestyle Habits That Help

• Avoid sudden or jerky head movements
• Take your time when standing up or turning
• Limit exposure to activities involving rapid motion if you're sensitive
• Protect your head during sports or cycling
• Avoid inserting objects deep into the ear canal
• Manage triggers like dehydration, migraines, or high stress with medical guidance

What To Do During an Episode

• Sit or lie still in a calm, dimly lit room
• Use extra pillows to keep your head slightly elevated
• Avoid bending, stretching suddenly, or reaching overhead

Medical Treatment Options

Depending on the cause, doctors may recommend:

• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy to retrain balance
• Repositioning manoeuvres such as the Epley or Semont manoeuvre for BPPV
• Medications to ease nausea or motion sensitivity
• Targeted treatment for underlying conditions like infections or Ménière's disease

When Vertigo Needs Medical Attention

You should seek medical help if:

• Vertigo keeps returning or doesn't improve
• It comes with severe headache, vision problems, numbness, weakness, or speech difficulty
• Vomiting is persistent or dehydration becomes a concern

The Bigger Picture

Vertigo isn't a disease on its own, it's a symptom, often linked to balance disturbances in the inner ear. For many people, it improves with time, rest, and the right care. Steven Smith's situation highlights why vertigo is taken seriously, especially in high-performance sport. Balance, coordination, and spatial awareness are non-negotiable on the field. Stepping back until recovery isn't caution, it's common sense.

Understanding vertigo helps remove the mystery around it. And for anyone who's experienced that sudden spinning sensation, it's a reminder that listening to your body matters, no matter who you are or what level you perform at.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.