Vertigo Treatment Specialist Q&A

Vertigo is typically described as an uncontrollable feeling of spinning and motion and it is categorized as a symptom, meaning that vertigo is caused by some condition. People tend to have trouble walking and standing and may experience ringing in the ears and nausea. Oftentimes vertigo is the result of an inner ear problem as that is the part of the body that has responsibility for balance and if this is the case, it is known as peripheral vertigo. A more serious, but rare case of vertigo is central vertigo which is more heavily dependent on brain conditions. Because vertigo is simply a symptom of a given condition, healthcare providers are tasked with identifying the cause and treating it appropriately. Medications can be used to relieve peripheral vertigo and it is important to follow a healthcare professional’s advice. They will typically recommend getting a good amount of rest and avoiding sudden movements and bright lights.

Because the inner ear is largely responsible for maintaining balance and spatial awareness, inner ear issues are the most common cause of peripheral vertigo. Such issues often include inner ear infections, which are caused by contracting viruses or bacteria that spread to the ear area. While infection is the most common cause, there are several other conditions that have vertigo as a symptom. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, otherwise known as BPPV, can occur seemingly out of nowhere but mostly affects people over the age of 50. While the cause is not completely certain in this instance, it is believed that calcium carbonate crystals that line the inner ear break off and make their way into the ear’s fluid canal, interfering with signals from the brain and causing vertigo. Additionally, a condition known as vestibular neuronitis is known to cause the symptom of vertigo. This is where the vestibular nerve, which connects the inner ear to the brain, experiences inflammation and thus leads to vertigo. This is mostly caused by viral infections, however, is slightly different than a standard inner ear infection. Yet another vertigo cause is Meniere’s disease, a disorder that affects both balance and hearing and is linked to excessive and abnormal buildup of fluid in the ear. While our list is quite extensive, there are still many other causes of vertigo which may include medication side effects, nervous system problems, and much more. Because of the many potential causes of vertigo, it is essential to contact a medical provider when it occurs to not only help stop vertigo itself but also fix the underlying cause.

Thankfully, vertigo is a symptom that is hard to mistake for many others. While people are experiencing dizziness, people who have experienced vertigo describe it as the space around them spinning around uncontrollably. Additionally, people will typically have difficulty focusing their eyes and even experience hearing and balancing difficulties. It is also not uncommon to experience nausea or vomiting in such a disoriented state. Furthermore, vertigo is commonly associated with inner ear problems like infection, so if you recently experienced a sickness it is very possible that the inner ear has become infected and is the cause of the vertigo. If you look out for these symptoms and are able to communicate them to your healthcare provider, it will be easier to find the underlying cause of vertigo and treatment will be able to run much more smoothly.

ENT doctors are able to help treat vertigo; however, it is important to get to the cause of vertigo first. Peripheral vertigo is a form of vertigo that is largely caused by inner ear issues, and as such, ENT specialists are able to treat it. Central vertigo, however, is more linked to the brain’s health and is more suited for a neurologist to treat. An initial appointment with a physician is often able to point you in the right direction as to which specialist you should see for your specific circumstance.

At Southern ENT Associates, we provide comprehensive and specialized treatment for vertigo treatment. That’s why you’re dedicated to the highest level of care, comfort, and treatment so that you can get back to doing the things that you love. For more information about our allergy testing services, or to book an appointment, contact us today! We serve patients from Thibodaux LA, Houma LA, Raceland LA, Morgan City LA, New Iberia LA, Youngsville LA, and surrounding areas!