Dizziness and Vertigo
Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo
Do you have to grab ahold of something to stay stable when the room starts spinning? Dizziness and vertigo can be unpredictable and disorienting, and it's understandable if it's left you feeling anxious. The good news is that most causes are identifiable and treatable, and Collier Otolaryngology can help you find relief.
Talk to a Specialist About Your SymptomsWhat causes dizziness?
Dizziness can come from a number of different sources, since your sense of balance depends on your eyes, brain, heart, and ears all working together. Some common causes include:
- Vestibular neuritis
- Meniere's disease
- Migraines
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)
An ENT exam, which may include tests like the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver, can help determine the cause of your dizziness and the right treatment for you.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Most dizziness and vertigo, including BPPV, is not an emergency. However, in rare cases, dizziness can be a sign of a stroke or another serious condition. Seek emergency care right away if your dizziness is accompanied by any of the following:
- Sudden, severe headache
- Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
- Facial drooping or numbness
- Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg
- Double vision or loss of vision
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Sudden loss of coordination or difficulty walking
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. For dizziness without these warning signs, scheduling an evaluation with an ENT is a good next step.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo is caused by problems with your inner ear. BPPV is the most common cause of dizziness. BPPV is defined by its four words:
- Benign: non-cancerous
- Paroxysmal: a fit, attack, or sudden increase in symptoms
- Positional: typically brought on by certain head movements
- Vertigo: the sensation of whirling and loss of balance
BPPV is typically caused by a disruption of the fluids in your ear. Tiny pieces of calcium can break loose inside your ear and end up in your semicircular canal. This will lead to the all too familiar feeling of dizziness and a spinning room.
Symptoms of BPPV
In rare cases, BPPV symptoms can be severe enough to make walking difficult. More often, symptoms include:
- Dizziness
- Spinning sensation
- Feeling tilted
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Falling
What are the treatment options for vertigo and dizziness disorders?
Treatment options for dizziness and vertigo disorders can range from medication, physical therapy, and dietary changes. The only way to know which options are right for you is to have a thorough exam by a medical professional.
Dizziness and vertigo care is part of the full range of General ENT Services we provide at Collier Otolaryngology. Our team can help determine what's causing your symptoms and find a treatment plan that works for you.
Talk to a Specialist About Your SymptomsFrequently Asked Questions
Is dizziness always serious?
No. Dizziness has many possible causes, and most, like BPPV, are not dangerous or life-threatening. That said, if your dizziness comes with symptoms like slurred speech, facial drooping, or chest pain, seek emergency care right away, since these can be signs of a more serious condition.
How is the cause of dizziness diagnosed?
Your ENT will typically start with a discussion of your symptoms and a physical exam, which may include tests like the Dix-Hallpike Maneuver to check for BPPV. Depending on your symptoms, additional testing may be needed to identify the cause.
Can dizziness be treated without surgery?
Yes, in most cases. Many dizziness and vertigo disorders are managed with medication, physical therapy (such as vestibular rehabilitation), or specific repositioning maneuvers for BPPV. Surgery is rarely needed and is typically reserved for cases that don't respond to other treatments.