Vertigo

Understanding Vertigo Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Vertigo is a disorienting condition that disturbs one’s sense of spatial connection and balance. The medical professionals at Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy recognize the distress vertigo can bring. Our experienced team provides a range of comprehensive balance tests and vertigo treatments that help you source the underlying cause and achieve lasting relief.

What Is Vertigo?

The vertigo definition states that it is a spinning, or loss of balance sensation experienced when stationary or moving. Vertigo may be triggered when standing at high levels or moving your head abruptly. However, persistent vertigo is symptom of a disease or condition that targets the vestibular nerve in the inner ear that contributes to your sense of balance.

Types of Vertigo

Before understanding what causes vertigo, it’s important to note that there are two primary types of vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is a type of vertigo brought on by issues inside of the ear. In contrast, central vertigo occurs in relation to problems with the vestibular pathways of the brain. Both types can be a result of several different factors.

Subtypes of Peripheral Vertigo

Peripheral vertigo is more commonly seen. This type of vertigo is triggered by abnormalities within the inner ear or the vestibular nerve. There are several subtypes of peripheral vertigo, including the following:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)
• Labyrinthitis
• Vestibular neuritis
• Meniere’s disease

Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo causes vary, as vertigo can be the result of inner ear or brain pathway problems. There are many vertigo causes, including the following:

Vertigo Symptoms

The main vertigo symptom is a feeling of whirling, spinning, or feeling otherwise unbalanced. However, there are other symptoms of vertigo, including the following:

How Is Vertigo Diagnosed?

When a patient is suspected to have vertigo, medical professionals will begin their diagnosis by understanding the patient’s symptoms and performing a physical examination. Based on the symptoms and the patient’s medical history, they may refer them for a series of balance tests. These tests may include various inner ear and brain exams and imaging tests.

Vertigo Tests

Depending on the symptoms presented, medical professionals may suggest various types of balance tests. These diagnostic vertigo tests may include:

• Fukuda-Untenbergertest to assess inner ear labyrinth
• Romberg’s test to assess central nervous system
• Head impulse test to assess balance system in the inner ear
• Vestibular test battery to determine whether symptoms are associated with the brain or inner ear
• CT scans or MRIs

Vertigo Treatment

Vertigo treatment varies depending on the root cause of the patient’s vertigo. There are a number of treatments available, including:

• Repositioning maneuvers
• Medication
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
• Surgical procedures

Choose Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy

At Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy, we understand the complexities of vertigo. We offer a wealth of state-of-the-art testing solutions performed by industry-leading medical professionals backed by decades of experience. With our advanced diagnostic equipment and commitment to patient comfort, you can rely on our team for effective and compassionate vertigo treatment.

Reclaim Your Balance and Comfort Today

Get back to living a more fulfilling life by relieving your vertigo symptoms with custom-tailored vertigo treatment plans offered by Southern Indiana ENT Sinus & Allergy. Allow our medical professionals to help you achieve lasting relief today. Contact our team to discuss your vertigo symptoms and schedule an appointment to get on the road to vertigo treatment.