Vertigo is often described as the unsettling sensation that everything around you is spinning or swaying. While it may feel like a standalone issue, vertigo is a symptom of another condition. If you’re dealing with frequent or intense bouts of dizziness, the best course of action is to see a doctor to explore the cause and treatment options.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo commonly stems from disruptions in the inner ear or problems within the brain or nervous system. Depending on its source, it may be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, including:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of stability or difficulty walking straight
- Pressure or discomfort in the ears
- Tinnitus
- Hearing changes or sensitivity
These additional symptoms provide clues that can help your provider better understand what’s behind your dizziness.
Getting Ready for Visit
Being prepared for your appointment can significantly improve the accuracy of your diagnosis. Start by keeping a log of your vertigo episodes. Include details such as:
- When the symptoms began
- How often they occur
- What the episodes feel like (spinning, tilting, etc.)
- How long they typically last
- Specific situations or actions that seem to trigger the episodes
Also, list any symptoms that occur alongside vertigo. Bringing this information with you allows your healthcare provider to spot patterns and make a more informed assessment.
What to Expect
Your healthcare provider will take a comprehensive approach when evaluating your symptoms. A typical vertigo evaluation may include the following steps:
- Detailed health history: Expect to discuss your medical background, daily routines and the nature of your symptoms.
- Physical examination: Your doctor will evaluate balance, coordination, muscle tone, reflexes and how your body reacts to movement. They may also observe your eye movements, which can provide critical diagnostic clues.
- Positional testing: A specific test maneuver might be performed to trigger vertigo intentionally and help diagnose a condition like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
- Hearing exam: Your provider may check your eardrum and conduct a hearing assessment to determine if hearing-related issues are connected to your symptoms
Likely Causes
After your evaluation, your provider will explain what’s likely causing your vertigo and suggest a course of action. Some of the most common diagnoses include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by displaced crystals in the inner ear
- Ménière’s Disease: A condition involving fluid buildup that leads to vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often linked to a viral infection
- Migraine-Related Vertigo: Dizziness triggered by migraine activity
Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause. It might involve:
- Repositioning maneuvers to realign inner ear crystals
- Medications to relieve nausea, inflammation, or balance issues
A professional evaluation is the key to finding out what’s really behind your dizziness and setting a course for recovery. If you’re ready to take the next step toward relief, schedule an appointment with ENT & Allergy Specialists – Ear Nose and Throat Physicians and Surgeons today.