Dizziness & Vertigo

Dizziness occurs when your brain receives conflicting or false signals from your balance systems. This can result in various conflicting sensations, including spinning, weakness, and even faintness. Dizziness can stem from various causes, and understanding the specific type of dizziness you’re experiencing is crucial for effective treatment.

Dizziness often results from your brain sensing movement that isn’t occurring. These symptoms can include faintness, lightheadedness, or the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. Identifying the underlying cause of your dizziness is the first step to finding relief.

Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness characterized by the sensation that your surroundings are spinning or moving, even when you’re stationary. This condition is often related to issues within the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance.

Types of Vertigo:

• Peripheral Vertigo: The most common type of vertigo, typically due to problems within the inner ear.

• Central Vertigo: Rarer and often related to issues within the brain.

Common Causes of Peripheral Vertigo:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Caused by dislodged calcium particles within the ear.

• Ménière’s Disease: Results from excess fluid in the inner ear.

• Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear due to viral infection.

• Vestibular Neurontis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve caused by a viral infection.

Common Causes of Central Vertigo

• Migraines
• Acoustic neuroma
• Strokes, tumors, and multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Alcohol and certain drugs

Understanding whether your vertigo is peripheral or central is key to determining the best course of treatment.

While vertigo is a common cause of dizziness, many other conditions can lead to similar symptoms.

Other Potential Causes of Dizziness:

• Heart Conditions: Issues such as arrhythmias or heart failure can reduce blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness.

• Blood Pressure Problems: Both high and low blood pressure can lead to feelings of dizziness.

• Endocrine Disorders: Conditions like diabetes or thyroid problems can affect balance.
• Medication Side Effects: Certain drugs can cause dizziness as a side effect.

A thorough evaluation is needed to pinpoint the exact cause of your dizziness and develop an effective treatment plan.

Diagnosing dizziness and vertigo typically involves a detailed medical history review and physical exam. At Pinnacle ENT, our team may also perform additional tests to assess the function of your inner ear and other potential causes of your symptoms, like the Dix-Hallpike maneuver or electronystagmography (ENG).

Treatment for vertigo and dizziness depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Some forms of vertigo can resolve on their own, but persistent or severe cases often require some form of medical intervention.

Treatment Options for Dizziness and Vertigo:

• Medication can help alleviate symptoms.
• Physical therapy, including vestibular rehabilitation, can help retrain your balance system.
• Lifestyle changes and modifications to avoid certain triggers or exercises can also help to manage symptoms.