Vertigo is a condition that can be debilitating and cause feelings of dizziness, nausea, and lightheadedness. It is recommended to learn about vertigo so you can better understand its symptoms and know when it is time to seek medical attention. The root cause of Greater New Orleans vertigo can vary from person to person, but common triggers include inner ear infections, head trauma, migraines, and certain medications.
Often, vertigo may be caused by a problem in the inner ear, where the balance organ is located. When you have vertigo, your brain receives conflicting messages from the eyes and ears, making it difficult to keep your balance or tell up from down.
A good understanding of vertigo is advisable to help identify the signs and seek treatment as soon as possible. Understanding your condition will let you know when it is time to visit your doctor and receive appropriate care.
What happens when you visit a doctor?
Your doctor will ask questions to understand your symptoms better and rule out other conditions. They may also conduct tests, such as hearing tests or an examination with special equipment that measures eye movement.
Common symptoms of vertigo
- Dizziness: Dizziness is the most common symptom of vertigo. You may feel like you are spinning, or the room is spinning around you. This sensation can cause nausea and a feeling of instability.
- Lightheadedness: Lightheadedness is another symptom of vertigo. You may feel like your head is in a fog or is filled with cotton. You may also experience difficulties with concentration or difficulty staying focused on tasks.
- Balance issues: Vertigo can cause problems, ranging from unsteady while walking to extreme imbalance and even falling.
- Ringing in the ears: Tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears, is a common symptom of vertigo. This sound may be constant or come and go.
- Headache: Some people with vertigo may experience headaches and other symptoms. These headaches can range from mild to severe and are usually accompanied by light sensitivity or pain around the eyes or temples.
- Nausea: Many people with vertigo also experience nausea due to the dizziness and imbalance caused by the condition.
Vertigo treatment options
These are some of the treatment options you should know:
Vestibular rehabilitation
This kind of rehabilitation involves physical therapy exercises and activities to help improve balance and reduce dizziness. Your doctor can refer you to a physical therapist who specializes in vertigo.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe medications to help manage vertigo symptoms, such as antihistamines or antidepressants. Some people find relief with over-the-counter medications like meclizine (Antivert).
Surgery
In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat vertigo. This is usually done if the cause of your vertigo is a lesion or tumor in the inner ear. The procedure entails removing the lesion or tumor, which can help to restore balance.
Stress management
Managing stress can help reduce feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness associated with vertigo. Stress relief techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can all help to reduce symptoms.
If you are experiencing vertigo, don’t wait; contact your doctor at ENT of New Orleans.
