Vertigo & Dizziness Specialist in Cumberland & Hagerstown, MD
The room spins, you feel off-balance, or you're lightheaded for no clear reason. Dizziness and vertigo are unsettling, but once the cause is pinned down, most are very treatable.
Our neurologists find what's driving the spinning and build a plan to stop it.
At Mir Neurology, our board-certified neurologists track down the cause of your dizziness and build a plan to stop it β for patients across Western Maryland, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and South-Central Pennsylvania. Most causes come from the inner ear and respond well to treatment; part of our job is confirming that, and catching the few that don't.
Request an Appointment or call (301) 797-7600.
When dizziness is an emergency: Call 911 if dizziness comes with a sudden severe headache, trouble speaking, face drooping, weakness or numbness on one side, double vision, trouble walking, or fainting. These can be signs of a stroke β remember FAST: Face, Arm, Speech, Time to call 911.
Dizziness vs. Vertigo: What's the Difference?
People use these words interchangeably, but they aren't the same, and the difference helps point to the cause.
Vertigo
A false sense that you or the world around you is spinning or moving. It usually points to the inner ear or the brain's balance system.
Dizziness
A broader term β feeling lightheaded, woozy, faint, or off-balance without the spinning. It has many possible causes.
Sorting out which one you have is the first thing a neurologist does, because it narrows down where the problem is coming from.
Vertigo Symptoms
Vertigo tends to come with a cluster of symptoms:
- A spinning or whirling sensation
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Symptoms triggered by a change in head position β rolling over in bed, looking up, bending down
- Ringing in the ears or hearing changes, in some cases
- Abnormal eye movements, called nystagmus
What Causes Vertigo and Dizziness?
There are many possible causes, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters so much. Here are the common ones and how they tend to show up:
| Cause | How it usually shows up | Key clue |
|---|---|---|
| BPPV | Brief, intense spinning triggered by head movements (rolling over, looking up) | The most common cause β and very treatable with the Epley maneuver |
| Vestibular neuritis / labyrinthitis | Sudden, constant vertigo lasting days, often after a cold or virus | Inflammation of the balance nerve or inner ear |
| Meniere's disease | Vertigo attacks with hearing loss, ear fullness, and ringing | An inner-ear disorder; symptoms come in episodes |
| Vestibular migraine | Vertigo or dizziness, with or without a headache | Common in people with a migraine history |
| Orthostatic hypotension | Lightheadedness when you stand up | A drop in blood pressure β not true spinning |
| Central (brain) causes | Dizziness alongside speech, vision, weakness, or walking problems | Less common but urgent β needs prompt evaluation |
Other contributors include dehydration, anemia, and medication side effects. A neurologist's job is to figure out which of these is driving your symptoms.
When Dizziness Points to Something Neurological
Most dizziness comes from the inner ear and isn't dangerous. But certain features suggest the brain or nervous system is involved and need prompt attention. See a neurologist right away when dizziness comes with:
- Trouble speaking, swallowing, or coordinating movements
- Double vision or other vision changes
- Numbness, weakness, or facial droop
- A severe headache, or a new and different kind of headache
- Trouble walking or frequent falls
These can point to problems that need fast attention, including stroke.
How We Diagnose Vertigo and Dizziness
Finding the cause is what makes treatment work. Your evaluation may include:
- A detailed history β what the dizziness feels like, how long it lasts, what triggers it, and any related symptoms
- A neurological and balance exam, including eye movements, coordination, and gait
- Positional maneuvers such as the Dix-Hallpike test to identify BPPV
- Hearing or vestibular testing when needed
- Imaging, such as MRI, when a brain cause needs to be ruled out
A careful exam often pins down the cause in a single visit, so treatment can start right away.
Vertigo and Dizziness Treatment
Treatment depends entirely on the cause, and most causes respond very well:
- Canalith repositioning (Epley maneuver) β a simple in-office treatment for BPPV that moves the displaced inner-ear crystals back into place, often in one visit
- Vestibular rehabilitation therapy β specialized exercises that retrain the balance system
- Medications β to calm acute vertigo and nausea, or to manage conditions like Meniere's disease and vestibular migraine
- Treating the underlying cause β blood pressure issues, dehydration, or a medication that needs adjusting
- Lifestyle guidance β triggers, hydration, and fall prevention
- Ongoing follow-up for recurring or chronic dizziness
The goal is simple: stop the dizziness and keep it from coming back.
What Our Patients Say
Mir Neurology is one of the most reviewed neurology practices in the region, rated 4.6β across 200+ Google reviews.
"Extremely impressed with Dr. Mir and his staff. He is so thorough, considerate and knowledgeable. I am beyond thankful for the time he spent with me to determine and treat the cause of my pain. A+++"
"If you are looking for a neurologist, I highly recommend Dr. Mir and his wonderful staff. They treat you like a person and truly care about your well being."
A Dizziness & Vertigo Specialist Near You β Serving Western Maryland & the Tri-State Area
With offices in Cumberland and Hagerstown, you can get expert vertigo and dizziness care close to home.
Maryland
Cumberland, Hagerstown, LaVale, Frostburg, Cresaptown, Hancock, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Boonsboro
West Virginia
Martinsburg, Keyser, Romney, Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw
Pennsylvania
Waynesboro, Greencastle, Chambersburg, Mercersburg
Cumberland office: 924 Seton Dr Suite C, Cumberland, MD 21502 β MonβSat, 7:30 AM β 4:30 PM
Hagerstown office: 11110 Medical Campus Rd Unit 151, Hagerstown, MD 21742 β MonβFri, 7:30 AM β 5:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between dizziness and vertigo?
Vertigo is a false sense of spinning or movement, usually from the inner ear or balance system. Dizziness is broader β it also includes lightheadedness and feeling off-balance without the spinning.
What is the most common cause of vertigo?
BPPV. It's caused by dislodged inner-ear crystals and produces brief, intense spinning with head movements. It's very treatable, often with the Epley maneuver in a single visit.
Can a neurologist treat vertigo?
Yes. Neurologists diagnose and treat vertigo and dizziness β especially to sort out whether the cause is in the inner ear or the nervous system, and to rule out serious causes like stroke.
What is vestibular migraine?
It's a form of migraine that causes vertigo or dizziness, sometimes with little or no headache. It's a common and treatable cause of recurrent dizziness, especially in people with a migraine history.
How is vertigo treated?
It depends on the cause β the Epley maneuver for BPPV, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, medications, and treating any underlying condition. Most causes respond well.
How long does vertigo last?
It varies by cause. BPPV spells last seconds to a minute but recur with movement; vestibular neuritis can last days; Meniere's and vestibular migraine come in episodes. Your neurologist uses the pattern to find the cause.
Can I do the Epley maneuver at home?
It can help BPPV, but only after the diagnosis is confirmed β doing it for the wrong cause won't help and can be unsafe. It's best to be evaluated first so you're treating the right problem.
When should I worry about dizziness?
Seek emergency care if dizziness comes with a sudden severe headache, trouble speaking, facial droop, weakness or numbness, double vision, or trouble walking β these can be signs of a stroke.
Do I need a referral, and where can I find a vertigo specialist near me?
Many patients can self-refer, though some plans require a referral. Mir Neurology treats vertigo and dizziness at our Cumberland and Hagerstown offices β call (301) 797-7600 and we'll confirm your coverage.
Tired of the Room Spinning?
Find out what's causing your vertigo or dizziness and get relief. Mir Neurology provides expert balance and vertigo care in Cumberland and Hagerstown.
Request an appointment | (301) 797-7600
This page is for general education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you think you or someone else may be having a medical emergency, call 911.