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Vertigo is a symptom that makes you feel dizzy like you’re moving or spinning when you’re not. It’s very similar to motion sickness. It can be caused by a problem with the inner ear, a nerve problem or even an issue within the brain. Dr. Mark Cohen, an experienced vertigo and balance doctor at Neuro Injury Specialists in New York and New Jersey runs the latest diagnostic tests to determine what’s causing the vertigo and decide on the best treatment for dizziness.
The main two types of vertigo include:
About 80 percent of vertigo is peripheral and considered benign. And while not harmful, it is uncomfortable. This type of vertigo happens when small calcium particles move into your inner ear structures. Central vertigo is responsible for about 20 percent of all vertigos and can be much more serious. Central vertigo can happen due to traumatic brain injury or other neurological disorders.
If you experience a sudden spinning sensation when you move your head, it’s likely peripheral vertigo. This condition usually happens suddenly and is affected by changes in the position of your head. Since it’s an inner ear condition, it leads to balance problems along with dizziness.
Other symptoms include:
Episodes of central vertigo can come on quickly but are much more intense and last longer. Because central vertigo is an issue involving the brain, the symptoms tend to be more severe and involve more than just balance and dizziness.
Additional symptoms of central vertigo include:
Vertigo, dizziness and balance issues are symptoms of a larger problem. Usually, they indicate a problem within the inner ear. The calcium particles that have wandered into areas of the inner ear can cause the disturbing feeling of movement or spinning as they move the cilia in your ear. That area is also what handles your sense of balance.
Although that’s the most common cause of the symptoms, there are others, such as:
The first test you’re likely to have to find a definitive diagnosis is the Dix-Hallpike test. This is an easy test in which the doctor moves your head to a certain position and asks you to lie back and hold that position for a few seconds. If your vertigo increases, you likely have peripheral vertigo caused by an inner ear condition.
A few other tests that can be done in the office during your visit include:
If your doctor has not been able to determine the cause, he may order imaging tests that such CT or MRI scans. These imaging tests help your doctor determine if there’s an underlying brain issue causing your symptoms.
Dizziness treatment for peripheral vertigo can be treated several ways. Sometimes it can go away on its own or you may receive dizziness treatment during which your doctor performs repositioning maneuvers that move the calcium crystals back into the correct area of the ear.
Your doctor shows you how to do the maneuvers in the office so you can do them at home regularly until your symptoms have abated. There are also medications that can be given to control nausea, vomiting and instability.
These medications are often the same ones used for motion sickness and include:
A balance doctor can help you with gait problems or for balance disorder treatment. If you have a serious underlying cause such as head or neck injury, the treatment may require surgical intervention.
Episodes of vertigo can come on quickly and last for a short period of time, but if you’re having episodes that last for days or are recurring, you should see a balance doctor.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re experiencing severe forms of vertigo or dizziness coupled with:
Vertigo, dizziness and balance problems are never convenient or comfortable. They often require medication or physical intervention to get better. A trained neurologist can find the answers you’re seeking when dealing with these problems. Contact Dr. Cohen at Neuro Injury Specialists for a diagnosis in NY or NJ so that you can begin effective treatment for dizziness, balance and vertigo.