Dizziness & Vertigo

Dizziness is a general term encompassing various sensations like feeling faint or unsteady. However, vertigo is a distinct form of dizziness characterized by a spinning sensation of yourself or your surroundings.
 Our expert physicians accurately diagnose the cause of your dizziness and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you regain your balance and enhance your quality of life.

Types of Dizziness & Vertigo:

Understanding the different types of dizziness and vertigo can help in identifying the underlying cause. 

Below are some of the primary types: 

Peripheral Vertigo: 

Often caused by issues in the inner ear, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, and Meniere's disease. This type of vertigo is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of imbalance.

Central Vertigo: 

Originates from problems in the brain, such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or migraines. Symptoms can be more persistent and may include double vision, difficulty speaking, and weakness.

Presyncope: 

A feeling of being lightheaded or unsteady, often associated with neurological conditions or medication side effects. 

Disequilibrium: 

A sense of imbalance or unsteadiness, often associated with neurological conditions or medication side effects.

Symptoms & Causes:

Dizziness and vertigo can manifest through a variety of symptoms, often caused by underlying issues within the inner ear, circulatory system, or even the brain. These symptoms can significantly disrupt daily life and make it difficult to perform routine tasks. Identifying the underlying cause of dizziness or vertigo is crucial for effective treatment and management.  

Most common symptoms include:

• Feeling lightheaded or faint.
  
• Unsteadiness or loss of balance.
  
• A sensation of spinning (vertigo).
  
• Nausea or vomiting.
  
• Blurred Vision.
  
• Confusion or disorientation.
  

Some common causes are listed below:

• Inner ear problems: Benign Paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere's disease, vestibular neuritis. 
  
• Circulation problems: Low blood pressure, dehydration, heart conditions.
  
• Neurological Conditions: Stroke multiple sclerosis, migraines.
  
• Medications: Certain medications can cause dizziness as a side effect.
  
• Anxiety and Stress: These two can trigger and/ or worsen dizziness.
  

Diagnosis & Treatment:

At Knight Neurology, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnose the cause of your dizziness or vertigo. This involves a detailed review of your medical history, a thorough physical and neurological examination, and tests to assess your balance and coordination. We may also conduct hearing tests and, if necessary, utilize imaging studies like MRI or CT scans to gain a complete understanding of your condition.

Your treatment plan may include: 

• Medications to manage symptoms or treat underlying conditions. 
  
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapies to improve balance and reduce dizziness.
  
• Canalith repositioning maneuvers (for BPPV).
  
• Lifestyle changes, such as staying hydrated and regular exercise to manage stress.

Don't let dizziness or vertigo control your life. To schedule an appointment, call Knight Neurology or book online today.