Vertigo is a feeling that you’re spinning or twirling despite being still. When vertigo is severe, it can cause problems with balance and movement. Vertigo can often be a symptom of neurological or inner ear problems.
If you experience vertigo frequently or for extended periods, it’s important to get seen by a medical professional that can determine the cause. At Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Neurology, our neurologists can help you address the underlying cause of your vertigo and start feeling better sooner.
Symptoms of Vertigo
The most common symptom associated with vertigo is the feeling of spinning despite being still. Vertigo may be accompanied by the following other symptoms:
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty balancing
- Ringing ears (tinnitus)
- Headache
- Excessive sweating
What causes vertigo?
Vertigo is often the symptom of a variety of other health conditions. Typically, vertigo is experienced by people suffering from inner ear or nervous system conditions. Some common causes of vertigo may include:
- Inner ear infections (labyrinthitis)
- Migraine
- Inflammation of nerves of the ear
- Certain head injuries
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Head injuries
- Taking certain medications
Who gets vertigo?
While people of all ages and backgrounds can experience vertigo, there are certain factors that contribute to some people developing it more than others. Some common risk factors for developing vertigo may include:
- Being over the age of 60
- Being female
- Having an inner ear disorder
- Experiencing head trauma or stroke
- Having multiple sclerosis
How is vertigo diagnosed?
Typically, diagnosis focuses on identifying an underlying issue causing the vertigo. Your medical provider will typically diagnose you based on your symptoms and visual, physical imaging exams. Some common diagnostic testing for vertigo may include:
- Eye movement tests
- Balance testing
- Hearing tests
- Blood testing
- MRI scan
- CT scan
How is vertigo treated?
Vertigo is primarily treated by addressing the underlying condition causing your symptoms. Mild cases of vertigo often resolve quickly without treatment, but in persistent cases, getting seen by a healthcare professional for diagnosis and care can help resolve your issues.
For people suffering from persistent vertigo, there are several treatment options that your doctor may recommend based on your specific case. Some common treatments for vertigo may include:
Medications
Certain medications may be prescribed by your medical provider to help treat the underlying conditions or issues that are causing your vertigo symptoms. Common medicine used to treat vertigo include:
- Antihistamines to reduce dizziness
- Anti-nausea medicines to relieve nausea
- Antibiotics to treat underlying infections
- Corticosteroids to decrease inflammation
Therapies
To treat your vertigo symptoms, your doctor may recommend trying certain maneuvers or exercises. Your provider or a physical therapist will explain how to perform these exercises to help you manage your symptoms. Some of these common therapies for vertigo treatment include:
- The Epley maneuver to reposition inner ear calcium crystals
- The Brant-Daroff maneuver to reduce dizziness
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy to improve balance
Surgeries
Surgery for vertigo is usually only recommended when all other treatment options have failed to improve your symptoms. Talk with your healthcare provider to determine if surgical treatment is necessary for your case of vertigo. Some common surgical procedures used to treat vertigo include:
- Canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) to move calcium crystals in the inner ear
- Endolymphatic sac surgery to drain inner ear fluid
- Surgery to treat underlying conditions such as tumors or spinal injuries
Choose NGPG for Vertigo Treatment
If you are struggling to manage continued or severe vertigo symptoms, and you suspect a neurological or spinal condition may be the underlying cause, our skilled team at NGPG Neurology can help. Reach out to us today with questions and ask your primary care physician for a referral.