Vertigo
Vertigo is the unsettling sensation that either you or your surroundings are spinning, even when everything is still. Unlike general dizziness, vertigo often stems from specific issues with the inner ear or brain that affect balance and spatial orientation. It can disrupt daily activities and leave you feeling off-kilter. At our center, we specialize in identifying the underlying cause of vertigo and providing targeted treatments to help you regain your sense of stability.
Vertigo can have different causes and presentations:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A common form triggered by certain head movements, caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear.
- Meniere’s Disease: Associated with episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears due to fluid buildup in the inner ear.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve causing sudden, intense vertigo without hearing loss.
- Central Vertigo: Linked to brain conditions like migraines, stroke, or tumors, this type often includes additional neurological symptoms.
Identifying the type of vertigo is key to effective treatment. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you find relief.
Vertigo is often described as a spinning or whirling sensation, but it can come with additional symptoms such as:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance or difficulty walking
- Sweating or palpitations
- Abnormal eye movements (nystagmus)
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
These symptoms may be brief and triggered by certain head movements or persistent, depending on the cause. Understanding your specific experience helps us tailor a treatment plan for you.
At the Balance and Dizziness Center, diagnosing vertigo involves a detailed evaluation. We’ll discuss your medical history and symptoms, perform a physical exam, and may use advanced diagnostic tools like videonystagmography (VNG), hearing tests, or imaging studies. These tests help pinpoint the cause, whether it’s an inner ear issue, a neurological condition, or something else. With this information, we can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Effective vertigo treatment starts with an accurate diagnosis. For conditions like BPPV, we often use repositioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver, to alleviate symptoms quickly. For other causes, such as vestibular migraines or Meniere’s disease, treatment may include medications, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, or lifestyle changes. No matter the cause, our goal is to provide relief and help you regain your balance and confidence.