Understanding Vertigo: Navigating the Spinning Sensation

What Exactly is Vertigo?

Vertigo is not just a fleeting sensation of dizziness; it's a specific symptom often described as spinning, swaying, or feeling unsteady. While it can be alarming, vertigo itself is not a disease but a symptom indicating underlying neurological or inner-ear issues.

Common Causes of Vertigo:

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV):

   • Often triggered by changes in head position, such as tipping the head up or down or turning over in bed.

2. Vestibular Migraines:

   • Dizziness or spinning sensations accompanied by typical migraine symptoms like headache, sensitivity to light or sound, and nausea.

3. Meniere's Disease:

   • Recurrent episodes of vertigo associated with hearing loss and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

4. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis:

   • Inflammation of the inner ear, usually following a viral infection, causing sudden and intense vertigo.

5. Central Causes:

   • Less common but significant conditions involving the brainstem or cerebellum, such as stroke or multiple sclerosis.

How Charis Neurology Can Help:

Our approach begins with a comprehensive evaluation, including detailed history-taking and thorough neurological examinations. When indicated, advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, vestibular testing, or audiometry help pinpoint the exact cause.

Personalized Treatment Plans:

At Charis Neurology, we believe in personalized care tailored specifically to each patient's needs:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Specialized physical therapy designed to retrain the balance system.

• Medication Management: Tailored prescriptions to control symptoms and underlying causes.

• Lifestyle Guidance: Recommendations for diet adjustments and avoidance of triggers, especially beneficial in vestibular migraines and Meniere’s disease.

When Should You Seek Help?

You should consult a neurologist if vertigo:

• Occurs frequently or becomes chronic

• Is associated with severe headache or migraine symptoms

• Causes persistent imbalance or falls

• Comes with changes in hearing or neurological symptoms (e.g., numbness, weakness, visual changes)

The Charis Neurology Commitment:

Our team at Charis Neurology is dedicated to providing thorough evaluations, clear communication, and effective treatments to alleviate vertigo symptoms. Our mission is to restore balance and enhance your quality of life.

If you or a loved one experiences troubling vertigo, reach out today to schedule a consultation with our expert neurologists. We’re here to guide you back to stability.

Charis Neurology: Compassionate Care for Comprehensive Neurological Health