What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness that can feel as though you or your surroundings are moving when they are not. It is often associated with balance issues and can significantly impact your quality of life. Vertigo is a symptom rather than a condition itself, and it can arise from various underlying causes, particularly involving the inner ear or vestibular system.

We specialize in the evaluation and management of vertigo, providing personalized care to help you regain your balance and improve your well-being.

Common Causes of Vertigo:

Understanding the root cause of vertigo is essential for effective treatment. Some of the most common causes include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common condition caused by tiny calcium crystals that become dislodged in the inner ear, leading to brief episodes of vertigo when you change positions.
• Meniere’s disease: An inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
• Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often following a viral infection, causing sudden, intense vertigo that may last for days.
• Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear structures (labyrinth), which can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and balance issues.
• Migraine-associated Vertigo: Some individuals experience vertigo as a symptom of a migraine attack, either during or between episodes.
• Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor on the vestibular nerve that can lead to gradual hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo.
• Cervical Vertigo: Dizziness stemming from neck problems or injuries that affect blood flow or nerve function in the cervical spine.

Symptoms of Vertigo:

Patients experiencing vertigo may report:

• A spinning sensation or feeling of being off-balance.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Difficulty walking or maintaining stability.
• Tinnitus or hearing changes.
• Sweating or palpitations.
• Blurred vision or eye movements.

If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

You should consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Sudden onset of vertigo.
• Severe or persistent vertigo lasting more than a few minutes.
• Additional symptoms such as double vision, difficulty speaking, weakness, or numbness.
• Recent head trauma.
• Changes in hearing or persistent tinnitus.

Vertigo Evaluation Process:

Our comprehensive vertigo evaluation includes the following steps:

1. Medical History:
• Our specialists will begin by discussing your medical history and symptoms in detail. This includes questions about the frequency, duration, and triggers of your vertigo episodes, along with any accompanying symptoms.
2. Physical Examination:
• A thorough examination will be conducted to assess your overall health, including checking your balance, coordination, and neurological function. This may involve simple balance tests and observing your eye movements (nystagmus).
3. Vestibular Testing:
• Depending on your symptoms, we may recommend specialized vestibular testing, including:
• Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG): Tests that measure eye movements to assess how well your vestibular system is functioning.
• Rotary Chair Testing: A test that evaluates how well your inner ear responds to motion.
• Posturography: A balance test that determines how well you maintain your balance under various conditions.
4. Imaging Studies:
• In some cases, imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan may be ordered to rule out structural abnormalities, tumors, or other conditions affecting the inner ear and brain.

Treatment Options for Vertigo:

Once a diagnosis is established, our ENT specialists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific condition and needs.

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): A specialized form of physical therapy designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness through targeted exercises.
• Medications: Depending on the underlying cause, medications may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms, including anti-nausea drugs, antihistamines, or vestibular suppressants.
• Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers: For BPPV, techniques such as the Epley maneuver may be performed to reposition the dislodged calcium crystals in your inner ear.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Recommendations may include dietary changes, hydration, stress management, and avoiding known triggers of vertigo.
• Surgery: In rare cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical options may be considered, particularly for conditions like Meniere’s disease or acoustic neuroma.

Preventing Future Episodes of Vertigo:

While not all vertigo episodes can be prevented, there are strategies that can help minimize the risk of future attacks:

• Stay hydrated and avoids caffeine and alcohol, which can exacerbate symptoms.
• Make gradual changes in position, especially when moving from lying down to standing.
• Practice balance exercises regularly to improve stability.
• Avoid sudden head movements or positions that trigger vertigo.

Schedule Your Vertigo Evaluation Today!