Vertigo is a sensation in which the environment around you is spinning, leading to a feeling of dizziness or being off-balance. It’s not its own condition, but instead a symptom of another medical condition.
If these episodes are frequent or severe, a medical evaluation is the best way to determine the cause and find effective treatment. Here’s what to expect if you visit the doctor to understand your vertigo.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo can be caused by problems in the inner ear, brain or nervous system. It is often associated with other symptoms such as:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Headaches or ear pressure
- Tinnitus
- Other hearing changes
Preparing for Your Appointment
Before your vertigo evaluation, it’s helpful to track your symptoms so you can give your provider as much detail as possible. Try to note when the vertigo started and when it occurs. Prepare to explain how it feels and how long it lasts. It could also be helpful to bring a list of triggers or take note of anything that worsens the vertigo or any associated symptoms.
Bringing this information with you can help your healthcare provider pinpoint patterns and narrow down potential causes.
What Happens During an Evaluation
A medical evaluation to discover the causes of vertigo typically involves a combination of a detailed medical history, physical examination and specialized tests.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Your doctor will review your health history, lifestyle and review your symptoms.
- They will conduct a physical exam that observes eye movements, balance and coordination, muscle strength and reflexes and sensitivity to movement.
- They may perform a Dix-Hallpike test, designed to trigger vertigo and identify one of the most common causes.
- Your doctor may perform a hearing test and check your eardrum.
Diagnosis and Next Steps
Once the evaluation is complete, your provider will explain the likely cause of your vertigo. Common diagnoses can include:
- BPPV: Caused by loose crystals in the inner ear
- Ménière’s disease: A fluid buildup in the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss and tinnitus
- Vestibular neuritis: Inflammation of the inner ear, usually due to a viral infection
- Migraine-associated vertigo: Dizziness linked to migraines
Treatment options will depend on your diagnosis and may include:
- Head positioning maneuvers
- Medication to manage symptoms
A vertigo evaluation is an important first step toward understanding what’s causing your symptoms and finding relief. To learn more, contact Blue Ridge ENT to schedule an appointment today.