Battling Vertigo: Questions to Ask Your ENT Specialist
Vertigo is a condition where you feel like you are moving or spinning when you are not. Your surroundings seem to be in motion even when they are perfectly still. Patients usually describe vertigo as feeling dizzy and nauseous although there is much more to the condition than that.
The symptoms imparted by Vertigo often make everyday life extremely difficult.
Thankfully, our ear nose and throat specialists at Oklahoma Otolaryngologist Associates say most types of vertigo respond well to treatment and medication.
We have compiled a list of questions you should ask your doctor when getting treated for vertigo.
Q. What is the cause of my Vertigo?
Vertigo is caused by conditions that affect our inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for the body's sense of balance and position in space.
Usually the three most common causes of vertigo are:
Viral Infections (of the Vestibular nerve)
Migraines
Meniere's disease (an inner ear disorder often leading to dizziness and loss of hearing)
Another very common cause of Vertigo is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is caused by dislodged calcium deposits in the inner/middle ear which stimulate nerve endings which in turn cause vertigo. In addition to regular symptoms of vertigo, BPPV can be identified by rhythmic eye movement.
Q. Can Vertigo be cured?
Yes, vertigo can indeed be cured. In many cases our brain adapts to the changes on its own and is able to restore our sense of balance by relying on other bodily mechanisms. In such cases the vertigo should disappear within a few days. In case, the vertigo returns or doesn't cure itself on its own, seeing an ear nose throat specialist should help.
Our ENT doctors at Oklahoma Otolaryngologist Associates suggest specialized treatment that addresses the exact problem stemming vertigo.
A few common treatments are:
Vestibular Rehabilitation - Physical therapy that strengthens the vestibular system. Most effective in treating repeating bouts of vertigo, vestibular rehabilitation helps equip other bodily senses to negate the effects of vertigo.
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers - A series of specific head and body movements aimed to knock loose the dislodged calcium deposits and move them into an inner ear chamber where they can be safely absorbed by the body. You are likely to feel the effects of vertigo during the procedure but rest assured the process, under the guidance of our ENT physicians, is safe and very effective.
Medicine - Medication can be prescribed to take care of nausea and motion sickness that comes with vertigo.
Antibiotics and steroids are used to treat inflammation and infections that might be causing vertigo.
In case of Meniere's disease, diuretics or water pills are used to treat the pressure from fluid buildup.
Surgery - In a few cases where the vertigo is caused by a tumor or trauma in the brain, surgery is required to relieve the patient.
Q. How is Anxiety associated with Vertigo?
It is common for patients to feel extremely anxious because of vertigo but it should not be confused with the fact that anxiety in itself does not cause vertigo. However, patients have confirmed anxiety can in fact worsen vertigo.
Q. What are the tests required to diagnose Vertigo?
The following tests are useful to ear nose and throat specialists to diagnose vertigo:
Dix-Hallpike Maneuver - Used to detect BPPV. Eye movement is observed to confirm BPPV.
Head Impulse Test - Most commonly employed when vestibular neuritis is suspected. Head is rotated to look for eye movement and reflexes that are denotative of vestibular neuritis.
Romberg Test - The patient is asked to stand with their eyes closed and feet together. The doctor assesses the swaying and falling to determine the cause of vertigo.
Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG) - Electrodes and tiny cameras are used respectively to catch the eye movement as your head is placed in different angles. Sometimes you can also be asked to track visual targets. These tests are conducted in a dark room to isolate your reaction to light, motion and depth perception.
Q. How can Oklahoma Otolaryngology Associates help you treat Vertigo?
With our highly skilled and experienced group of physicians, we offer the best treatment for vertigo in Oklahoma City. Our ENT doctors equipped with the best medical technology find personally tailored treatments to help you with vertigo. You're not alone, visit our website to schedule an appointment.
**Disclaimer: The information on this page is not intended to be a doctor's advice, nor does it create any form of patient-doctor relationship.