Many people have experienced that feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness after standing up too quickly or skipping a meal. Vertigo is a similar feeling, though it is usually more persistent. With vertigo, patients have a frequent sensation that the environment around them is spinning in circles, making them feel off-balance and dizzy.
Vertigo is usually a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a condition itself. Depending on the underlying cause, you may experience additional symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, hearing loss, a feeling of fullness in the ear, tinnitus, balance issues, motion sickness, headaches and nystagmus (wherein your eyes move from side to side without your control).
Depending on the severity and frequency, vertigo can have a significantly adverse effect on your life. Let’s take a look at a few possible causes and complications of vertigo and when you should see an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist to treat it.
What Causes Vertigo?
Pinpointing the reason for vertigo can be tricky. A few possible causes of peripheral vertigo include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Dislodging of calcium deposits in the inner ear.
- Ménière’s disease: Excess fluid in the inner ear.
- Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear’s labyrinth and vestibular nerve.
- Vestibular neuronitis: Infection and inflammation of the vestibular nerve.
A few causes of central vertigo include:
- Migraines: A sudden, severe headache accompanied by nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light.
- Multiple sclerosis: A chronic disease of the central nervous system.
- Tumors: A cancerous or benign collection of tissues.
- Strokes: A blood supply blockage or blood vessel burst in the brain.
How Can Vertigo Affect Your Life?
Vertigo often results in falls, physical injuries and disruptions to your daily life. If not properly managed, it can hinder your ability to drive, play sports, enjoy relaxing walks around Mehaffey Park and more.
How Can I Manage Vertigo?
In most cases, you should seek ENT treatment if vertigo is disruptive or long-lasting. Vertigo treatment will vary based on its severity and underlying cause. Some causes may go away on their own, while others will require help from an ENT specialist. A few common treatments include:
- Medication. Vertigo medication can help in cases where symptoms come on suddenly and for a short duration.
- Exercises. Special stretches, strengthening moves, eye movement control, marching in place and other exercises can help you manage vertigo episodes as they arise.
- Repositioning. Repositioning exercises can be helpful for BPPV cases wherein dislodged calcium crystals cause dizziness. Your ENT specialist can teach you a series of head movements to move the crystals back into place.
In rare cases where the underlying cause is serious and requires intervention, your ENT provider may recommend surgery.
Vertigo can be challenging, but it doesn’t need to stop you from enjoying your life. Contact Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC today to discuss your treatment options with one of our specialists.