Dizziness & Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or whirling that occurs as a result of problems within the brain or inner ear. People with vertigo feel like the environment around them is moving when no movement is actually occurring. This symptom is one of the most common health problems in the US, and affects up to 40 percent of adults, who reported feeling dizzy at least once during their lifetime.

Most patients with vertigo experience a sudden onset of symptoms intermittently that last for a few seconds to a few minutes, and may include lightheadedness, imbalance and nausea, as well as temporary hearing loss and ringing in the ears.

Vertigo may be caused by a number of different conditions, including inflammation of the inner ear (labyrinthitis), Meniere’s disease, acoustic neuroma and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It may also occur after head or neck trauma or severe migraines. Your doctor may perform a series of blood and imaging tests, along with a physical and neurological examination in order to diagnose the cause of vertigo and rule out more serious conditions.

Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause of the symptoms, but may include medication, antibiotics, dietary changes or surgery. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is often effective in minimizing dizziness and improving balance by restoring function to the vestibular system. Your doctor will assess your individual case in order to decide which treatment option is best for you. It is important for patients with vertigo to take special caution to prevent injury from falls.