What is vertigo?
Vertigo is the term that describes the sensation of moving when you’re not. You might feel like the room is spinning or like your head and upper body suddenly jerk forward and back. Vertigo might also feel like motion sickness.
Vertigo is slightly different from dizziness. Instead of feeling like you’re moving, dizziness feels more like you’re lightheaded or going to pass out. Dizziness might also feel like you are floating, unsteady, or you’ve lost your balance.
What causes vertigo and dizziness?
While inner ear issues can cause both vertigo and dizziness, different factors contribute to the different sensations. Some common causes of dizziness include:
- Ear infections
- Dehydration
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Excessive exercise
- Anemia
- Heart muscle disease
Vertigo, on the other hand, is often due to:
- Meniere’s disease, an inner ear infection
- Sudden head movements
- Calcium crystals in your ear canal
- Inflammation of your inner ear
In rare cases, vertigo could be due to abnormal bone growth in your middle ear, cysts in your inner ear, or problems with the communication between your middle and inner ear.
How are the causes of vertigo and dizziness diagnosed?
Dr. Ali and his team provide comprehensive ear and balance testing to identify the cause of your symptoms. For example, they might ask you to:
- Lay back with your head turned and eyes open
- Look at the doctor’s nose and quickly turn your head to the side
- Close your eyes and march in place
- Stand with your feet together, then close your eyes and try to stay balanced
Dr. Ali might also order a VNG to test the function of the inner ear and MRI or CT scans to see the inside of your ear.
How are vertigo and dizziness treated?
Dr. Ali and the team provide customized treatment plans to address the specific condition causing your dizziness and vertigo. For example, while the first step in managing Meniere’s disease is medication, they also recommend dietary changes to regulate your body fluid and blood levels, which can help you stop taking medication eventually. They can also help you learn and practice methods of maintaining your balance and stability or refer you to physical therapy.
If you suffer from dizziness or vertigo, call Dr. Ali's office or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and personalized treatment.
