About Vertigo
Vertigo refers to a person’s sense that he or she is moving, spinning or swaying when there is no physical movement taking place. The most common cause of dizziness, there may be associated nausea or vomiting, disorientation, falling, or difficulty walking.
Vertigo caused when the inner ear is not functioning correctly is known as “otologic”, “peripheral” or “vestibular” vertigo. The most common causes are positional vertigo, treatable with physical therapy to restore the small crystals on the top of nerve stalks. Labrynthitis, a viral infection of the inner ear can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Meniere’s Disease is a syndrome in which fluid builds up in the inner ear, causing fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ears and a sense of fullness. Treatment for Meniere’s Disease may include a dietary change to less sodium, medication to reduce the fluid in the inner ear, and allergy treatment.
Occasionally, a benign tumor growing on a nerve that transmits signals to the inner ear from the brain can create vertigo. An acoustic neuroma is benign but may need surgical treatment or radiation to stop its growth.
It’s estimated that up to 10 percent of people may experience vertigo at some point. It becomes more common with age and usually affects women more often than men.
If you experience vertigo or frequent dizziness, please schedule an appointment with one of our providers so that the cause may be properly identified and a treatment plan set. Vertigo can be extremely difficult to deal with, affecting work, driving, walking and daily quality of life.
