Vertigo & Dizziness
Dizziness and Vertigo Treatment
Vertigo and dizziness are among the most common reasons people visit a doctor.
Both terms describe sensations involving a lack of balance. Dizziness describes a feeling of being unsteady, lightheaded, or about to faint. Vertigo describes a spinning sensation – either that the world is spinning around you or vice versa.
Seeing an ENT physician for symptoms of vertigo and dizziness makes sense because it is the ears – the inner ear, specifically – that are responsible for helping us maintain our balance.
Vertigo and dizziness can be caused by a number of inner ear conditions, including:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): Also commonly referred to as "ear rocks," BPPV occurs when tiny crystals in the ears become dislodged and travel to the inner ear. BPPV is triggered by sudden head movement and is the most common cause of vertigo and dizziness.
- Meniere's disease: This condition is characterized by the buildup of too much fluid within the inner ear, which can cause episodes of vertigo that last hours. In most cases, the vertigo occurs alongside tinnitus, a feeling of fullness in the ear (feeling "plugged up"), and hearing loss.
- Labyrinthitis: This condition is caused by inflammation of the inner ear due to infection.
In addition, other injuries or illnesses can cause symptoms of vertigo and dizziness such as migraines, low blood pressure, dehydration, anemia, head trauma, infection, low blood sugar, or even a side effect of medications.
Because there are so many possible causes of vertigo and dizziness, it is important to seek the right type of specialist to properly diagnose your particular issue. Medications, balance exercises, and head-position maneuvering are common treatments for vertigo and dizziness.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of vertigo and dizziness, call ENT & Allergy Center of Austin at (512) 328-7722 to make an appointment to see one of our ear specialists, or you can request one online. We have locations in Westlake, Cedar Park, and Round Rock.
