People who experience vertigo describe it as a sensation of spinning, or a feeling that your head is spinning. It is more than just feeling dizzy, and it may cause you to lose your balance and fall. The balance issues caused by vertigo can be a significant safety risk.
A vertigo attack can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few days. To ease the symptoms, vertigo sufferers are advised to move slowly and purposefully, and to avoid rapid movements.
This condition may go away on its own without medical treatment – but if it lasts for days or weeks, it may be due to a condition called Ménière’s disease, which is a type of inner ear disorder. If you are experiencing vertigo along with other symptoms, such as loss of vision, hearing changes, and/or speech changes, or if it has gone on for days, see a doctor right away.
Vertigo has certain triggers, so doctors recommend that people with vertigo avoid the triggers as much as possible. Let’s talk about some of those triggers and who you can see about your symptoms of vertigo.
What Are the Common Vertigo Triggers?
Vertigo attacks may be caused by ear conditions, migraine attacks, and some types of medication. You will begin to realize that certain movements trigger the sensations it causes.
In the case of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is one of the most common forms of this condition, any movement that can cause a shift in the calcium carbonate crystals (which help you keep your balance) in the utricle (an inner ear organ) can trigger a vertigo attack. This is because the crystals respond to gravity, so they can throw you off-balance if they are thrown off-balance.
For instance, rolling over in bed can trigger the spinning feeling, especially if you roll onto the side whose ear is causing the vertigo attacks. Moreover, positions such as tipping your head backward and bending your head forward might trigger vertigo.
A blow to the head, damage to the inner ear, or remaining on your back for an extended period of time are all common triggers of a vertigo attack. Basically, anything that can cause a shifting of the calcium carbonate crystals can result in feelings of vertigo.
How Is Vertigo Diagnosed?
A doctor can run diagnostic tests that can determine whether your vertigo is indeed caused by an ear disorder or by a medical condition affecting the brain. An otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat [ENT] specialist) can perform a thorough evaluation of your condition to determine the cause of your vertigo. The condition can then be addressed and treated.
ENT Specialist in Georgetown, Texas
Our experienced physicians at Georgetown ENT can perform comprehensive hearing and balance tests to determine the cause of ear, nose, and throat issues affecting adult and pediatric patients. Here in our clinic, we can perform a quick repositioning procedure for patients who have benign paroxysmal positional vertigo for immediate relief from symptoms.
If you have questions or if you wish to schedule a consultation, call Georgetown ENT today at (512) 869-0604 or complete our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you take control of your vertigo so you can enjoy your life fully!
