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DIZZINESS & VERTIGO

DIZZINESS & VERTIGO: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is Dizziness & Vertigo?

Dizziness and vertigo are common symptoms that many people experience at some point in their lives. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to different sensations.

Dizziness is a general term that describes feelings of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or disorientation. It can also include sensations like feeling faint or off-balance.
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where the person feels as though they or their surroundings are spinning. It is often caused by issues in the inner ear or the vestibular system, which controls balance.

At Mir Neurology, we specialize in diagnosing the underlying causes of dizziness and vertigo and offer effective treatments to help you regain stability and improve your quality of life.

Causes of Dizziness & Vertigo

There are numerous potential causes for dizziness and vertigo, ranging from inner ear problems to more serious neurological conditions.

1. Inner Ear Disorders

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – A common cause of vertigo, BPPV occurs when small calcium crystals in the inner ear become dislodged and disrupt the normal flow of fluid, leading to spinning sensations.
Meniere’s Disease – A disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
Vestibular Neuritis – Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often caused by a viral infection, leading to severe vertigo, nausea, and imbalance.
Labyrinthitis – Inflammation of both the vestibular nerve and the labyrinth (a structure in the inner ear), often caused by infections, leading to dizziness, vertigo, and hearing loss.

2. Neurological Causes

Migraine-Associated Vertigo – People with migraines may experience vertigo or dizziness, even without a headache. This is often referred to as vestibular migraine.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – MS can affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to dizziness and balance problems due to disruptions in nerve signals.
Stroke – A stroke can cause sudden vertigo or dizziness, often accompanied by other symptoms such as weakness or difficulty speaking.

3. Cardiovascular Causes

Low Blood Pressure – A drop in blood pressure, especially when standing up quickly, can lead to dizziness or lightheadedness (orthostatic hypotension).
Heart Arrhythmias – Abnormal heart rhythms can reduce blood flow to the brain, causing dizziness or fainting.

4. Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety and panic attacks can cause feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. This is typically linked to hyperventilation, which affects the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood.

5. Medications

Certain medications, particularly those that affect the inner ear or brain function, can cause dizziness or vertigo as a side effect. These may include medications for blood pressure, sedatives, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs.

6. Other Causes

Dehydration – A lack of sufficient fluids can cause dizziness.
Anemia – Low iron levels in the blood can lead to dizziness due to inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain.
Infections – Viral or bacterial infections can affect the vestibular system, leading to dizziness or vertigo.

Symptoms of Dizziness & Vertigo

Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

Vertigo – A spinning sensation, either of yourself or the environment.
Lightheadedness – A feeling of faintness or near fainting.
Unsteadiness – Difficulty maintaining balance, especially when standing or walking.
Nausea – Feeling nauseous, which can sometimes lead to vomiting, especially with vertigo.
Tinnitus – Ringing in the ears (common in conditions like Meniere’s disease).
Difficulty walking – A feeling of being “off balance” or uncoordinated.

Diagnosis of Dizziness & Vertigo

To properly diagnose the cause of your dizziness or vertigo, our specialists at Mir Neurology perform a thorough evaluation that may include

1. Medical History Review

We take a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they started, their frequency, triggers, and associated conditions (such as headaches or hearing loss).

2. Physical and Neurological Examination

Our neurologists conduct a comprehensive exam to assess your balance, coordination, and sensory function. This helps identify whether the dizziness or vertigo is related to neurological or inner ear issues.

3. Vestibular Testing

Vestibular testing is often used to evaluate the function of the inner ear and balance system. This may include tests like:

Electronystagmography (ENG) – Measures eye movements that occur during dizziness, which can indicate inner ear problems.
Posturography – Assesses balance control by testing your ability to maintain your posture under different conditions.

4. Imaging Studies

MRI or CT Scan – Imaging may be used to rule out other neurological conditions such as a stroke, tumor, or multiple sclerosis that may be causing dizziness or vertigo.

5. Blood Tests

Blood tests may be conducted to check for underlying conditions like anemia, dehydration, or infections that could be contributing to dizziness.

Treatment Options for Dizziness & Vertigo

Treatment for dizziness and vertigo depends on the underlying cause of the symptoms. At Mir Neurology, we offer personalized treatment plans to help alleviate symptoms and restore balance.

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

VRT is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on improving balance and reducing dizziness. It involves exercises designed to retrain the brain and help compensate for inner ear dysfunction.

2. Medications

If your dizziness or vertigo is caused by an underlying condition such as a viral infection, migraine, or Meniere’s disease, medications may be prescribed to:

Relieve vertigo – Anti-vertigo medications like meclizine or diazepam.
Control nausea – Medications to control nausea associated with dizziness.
Manage migraines – Medications for preventing or treating migraine-associated vertigo.
Reduce inflammation – Corticosteroids for inner ear inflammation (as seen in labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis).

3. Epley Maneuver

For conditions like BPPV, which are caused by dislodged crystals in the inner ear, the Epley maneuver is a series of head movements that can help reposition the crystals and relieve vertigo.

4. Lifestyle Modifications

Hydration – Ensuring proper hydration can help reduce dizziness caused by dehydration.
Dietary Changes – A low-salt diet may help reduce symptoms of Meniere’s disease.
Stress Management – Relaxation techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing, can help reduce dizziness caused by anxiety.

5. Surgery

In rare cases where vertigo is caused by an anatomical issue or other severe conditions (such as a tumor), surgical intervention may be required.

Living with Dizziness & Vertigo

If dizziness or vertigo is affecting your daily activities, we can help you identify triggers and provide treatments to manage your symptoms effectively. At Mir Neurology, our goal is to help you regain your balance and quality of life. We provide ongoing support and education to help you cope with your condition.

Get Expert Help

If you or a loved one is experiencing memory loss or cognitive decline, early diagnosis is key to effective management. Consult with our neurology specialists for personalized assessment and care plans.

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Main Office - Cumberland, United States

Our main office is located in Cumberland, United States. Our doctors have office hours at additional locations in the Hagerstown area to better serve our patients.