Vertigo

What is vertigo?

Vertigo refers to a sensation of feeling dizzy or off balance. You may feel a little dizzy on occasion if you get up too fast from a sitting position, but if you’re feeling as though your entire world is off balance, especially when you move your head in one direction, then you should contact Dr. Wogensen for an evaluation.

What are common causes of vertigo?

In most cases, vertigo develops from an issue related to your inner ear. Your inner ear provides information about the position of your head and body to your brain. Common causes of vertigo include:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

Calcium deposits in the inner ear cause BPPV. With BPPV you may only experience vertigo intermittently and only when your head is tilted in a certain direction.

Vestibular migraines

A vestibular migraine is a nervous system condition that causes frequent dizziness in people who also suffer from migraines. You may not always get head pain with vestibular migraines though.

Meniere’s disease

This is an inner ear disorder that’s caused by changes in pressure or a buildup of fluid in the ear. Vertigo may be accompanied by ear-related symptoms, such as ringing in the ears or a feeling of pressure. It may start in one ear, then occur in both.

A stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) can also lead to dizziness, as can vestibular neuritis, an inner ear issue that develops from an ear infection.

What are the symptoms of vertigo?

Dizziness is the most common symptom of vertigo, but you may also experience other issues. Other symptoms that may indicate vertigo include:

• Swaying
• Feeling off balance
• Feeling as though you’re being pulled in one direction
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Abnormal eye movements
• Ringing in the ears

Your symptoms may come and go and last a few minutes or hours, depending on the underlying cause.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, Dr. Wogensen can conduct a comprehensive examination to determine the underlying cause and provide treatment to help you get relief.

How is vertigo treated?

Treatment for your vertigo depends on the underlying cause. Dr. Wogensen creates individualized treatment plans to help you get relief from your symptoms.

To improve your inner ear function, Dr. Wogensen may recommend:

• Vestibular therapy: physical therapy that helps your balance
• Canalith repositioning maneuvers: head positioning to move calcium deposits
• Medication: antibiotics to clear up an infection

Although not common, surgery is also sometimes recommended as a treatment for vertigo.

If you’re feeling dizzy or off balance, treatment can help you turn your world right side up. Call Kenneth K. Wogensen, MD, or schedule an appointment online for expert care for your vertigo.