Do you suffer from dizziness, vertigo, or balance issues? You don’t have to learn to live with it.
As a Center of Specialty Care certified by the American Institute of Balance (AIB), Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists provide the most advanced evaluation and treatment for dizziness and balance problems for physicians and their patients in Utah and Southern Nevada.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a type of dizziness characterized by a sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when there is no movement. It is often caused by problems in the inner ear or the brain’s vestibular system, which helps control balance.
This sensation of spinning or dizziness can be mild or severe and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, and difficulty walking or standing. Vertigo can significantly disrupt a person’s daily activities and quality of life, making it important to understand its causes and treatment options.
Vertigo stems from inner ear or vestibular system issues responsible for balance and spatial orientation. Common causes include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease, and vestibular migraines. Treatment approaches vary based on the underlying cause but often include vestibular rehabilitation exercises, medication, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
Hearing loss and vertigo frequently coincide due to shared inner ear dysfunction. Conditions like Meniere’s disease affect both systems, causing vertigo alongside hearing impairment. Recognizing this correlation is pivotal in diagnosing and managing vertigo effectively. Treatment strategies may address both symptoms concurrently, aiming to restore balance and improve overall quality of life.
Symptoms of Vertigo
Vertigo presents a spectrum of symptoms that can vary in intensity and duration, often accompanied by profound dizziness and disorientation. Recognizing and addressing the specific symptoms experienced by an individual is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
The signs and symptoms of vertigo can vary in intensity and duration, but commonly include:
- Spinning Sensation: A primary symptom that makes you feel like you or your surroundings are spinning or moving despite being stationary.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady, often accompanied by a sensation of floating or swaying.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Vertigo can trigger feelings of nausea, sometimes leading to vomiting, especially during severe episodes.
- Sweating: Profuse sweating or clamminess may occur during vertigo episodes.
- Loss of Balance: Difficulty maintaining balance can make walking or standing challenging and increase the risk of falls.
- Visual Disturbances: Blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or abnormal eye movements may accompany vertigo.
- Headaches: Some individuals may experience headaches or migraines alongside vertigo episodes.
- Anxiety or Panic: Vertigo can evoke feelings of anxiety or panic, particularly during intense or prolonged episodes.
It’s essential to note that the signs and symptoms of vertigo can be unpredictable and may vary depending on the underlying cause. Seeking medical evaluation from an audiologist is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of vertigo symptoms.
Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo can arise from various underlying conditions, each affecting the body’s balance and spatial orientation mechanisms differently. Some common causes include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This occurs when tiny calcium particles, called canaliths, in the inner ear, become dislodged and stimulate the inner ear’s balance sensors erroneously, leading to brief episodes of vertigo triggered by head movements.
- Meniere’s Disease: A disorder of the inner ear characterized by fluid buildup in the compartments responsible for balance and hearing. It can cause vertigo episodes, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus/ringing in the ears, and a feeling of fullness in the affected ear.
- Vestibular Neuritis: An inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often caused by viral infections, leading to sudden and severe vertigo episodes accompanied by nausea and imbalance.
- Labyrinthitis: Like vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear structures, including the vestibular labyrinth and cochlea. It can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears.
- Migraine-Associated Vertigo: Some individuals with migraines experience vertigo as a symptom, often accompanied by headaches and sensitivity to light and sound.
- Head Injury or Trauma: Trauma to the head or neck can damage the inner ear structures or vestibular nerve, leading to vertigo symptoms.
- Other less common causes include inner ear tumors, multiple sclerosis, and medication side effects.
Understanding the underlying cause of vertigo is crucial for appropriate management and treatment strategies. Therefore, a thorough medical evaluation is necessary to identify the specific cause and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to the individual’s needs.
Vertigo Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of vertigo involve a comprehensive approach to identify the underlying cause and alleviate symptoms to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Diagnosis
Medical History and Physical Examination: The healthcare provider will take a detailed medical history, including the onset and frequency of vertigo episodes and any associated symptoms. A physical examination may also assess balance, coordination, and eye movements.
Vestibular Tests: Various vestibular tests may be performed to evaluate inner ear function and vestibular system integrity. These tests may include the Dix-Hallpike maneuver for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), caloric testing, rotary chair testing, and videonystagmography (VNG) or electronystagmography (ENG) to assess eye movements.
Imaging Studies: In some cases, imaging studies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans may be ordered to rule out structural abnormalities or underlying conditions affecting the inner ear or brain.
Treatment
Epley Maneuver: For benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the Epley maneuver often effectively repositions displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear canal, relieving vertigo symptoms.
Medications: Depending on the underlying cause of vertigo, medications may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. These may include antihistamines, antiemetics, benzodiazepines, or vestibular suppressants.
Vestibular Rehabilitation: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) involves specific exercises and maneuvers designed to improve balance and reduce vertigo symptoms. A trained physical therapist guides patients through exercises to enhance vestibular compensation and adaptation.
Lifestyle Modifications: Lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers like caffeine or alcohol, maintaining proper hydration, and getting adequate rest can help manage vertigo symptoms.
Surgical Intervention: In rare cases, surgical procedures may be considered for certain types of vertigo that do not respond to conservative treatments. Surgical options include vestibular nerve section, endolymphatic sac decompression, or canal plugging for Meniere’s Disease.
Managing vertigo requires a tailored approach based on the underlying cause and individual patient characteristics. Close collaboration between healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, otolaryngologists, neurologists, and physical therapists, is essential to ensure comprehensive care and optimal outcomes for patients experiencing vertigo. You can trust the Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists professionals to take every step to ensure your hearing wellness in its many forms.
Self-care for Vertigo
Self-care strategies can play a significant role in managing vertigo symptoms and improving daily functioning. Here are some effective techniques individuals can implement to help alleviate vertigo:
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate vertigo symptoms, so ensure you drink adequate water throughout the day.
- Modify Your Diet: Certain dietary factors, such as high salt intake, caffeine, and alcohol, can worsen vertigo symptoms in some individuals. Consider reducing consumption of these substances to see if symptoms improve.
- Practice Head Positioning Maneuvers: For BPPV, specific head positioning maneuvers, such as the Epley maneuver or Brandt-Daroff exercises, can help reposition displaced inner ear crystals and alleviate symptoms.
- Maintain a Healthy Sleep Routine: Fatigue and lack of sleep can exacerbate vertigo symptoms. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and ensuring adequate rest can help manage symptoms.
- Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that exacerbate vertigo episodes. This may include sudden head movements, bright lights, or environments with excessive visual stimulation.
- Use Assistive Devices: Assistive devices, such as handrails or grab bars, can provide support and stability, reducing the risk of falls during vertigo episodes.
- Manage Stress: Stress and anxiety can worsen vertigo symptoms. Engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga, to help manage stress levels.
- Stay Active: Gentle, regular exercise can help improve balance and coordination, reducing the frequency and severity of vertigo episodes. However, avoid activities that involve sudden movements or a risk of falling.
- Consider Alternative Therapies: Some individuals find relief from vertigo symptoms through acupuncture, acupressure, or chiropractic care. Consult with a healthcare professional before trying these alternative therapies.
- Consult a Healthcare Professional: If vertigo symptoms persist or worsen despite self-care efforts, seek medical attention for further evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations.
These self-care strategies can empower individuals to effectively manage vertigo symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. However, consulting with an audiologist for proper diagnosis and guidance on the most suitable self-care practices for individual needs is essential.
Vertigo Treatment | Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists
Take the first step toward relief and schedule your vertigo assessment with Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists today. Our experienced audiologists are dedicated to providing personalized treatment plans to help alleviate your vertigo symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
With audiology clinics conveniently located across Utah and Nevada, including in St. George, Cedar City, Murray, Hurricane, Beaver, Panguitch, Mesquite, and Overton, we support you on your journey to better balance and a higher quality of life.
Do not let vertigo hold you back any longer— schedule an appointment with expert audiologists in Utah and South Nevada today.