Vertigo

What Is Vertigo? 

Vertigo is a specific kind of dizziness that is caused by the balance organs in the inner ear. Vertigo causes a sensation that is often associated with looking down from a great height, and is characterized by the sense that the environment around you is moving, even though it is still. In a medical sense, vertigo does not necessarily have to do with heights. Rather, it has various medical causes relating to balance within the organs of the ear. 

What Causes Vertigo And Dizziness? 

Vertigo is caused by disturbances in the tiny organs in the inner ear that send messages to the brain in response to the environment. If the inner ear organ system is unable to process changes in environment correctly, the body is unable to balance as usual. Possible causes of dizziness or vertigo may include: 

What Are The Typical Symptoms Of Vertigo? 

Vertigo and dizziness symptoms may include: 

What Are The Risk Factors For Vertigo? 

Factors that may increase your risk of experiencing vertigo include: 

How Is Vertigo Diagnosed? 

ENT doctors are specialists in ear, nose and throat conditions, such as vertigo, and can accurately diagnose the condition after a consultation and physical exam. Patients usually discuss their medical history and symptoms with ENT doctors, and may also be asked to undergo further vertigo testing if needed. Some tests that may be done to help determine if a patient is suffering from vertigo include: 

All of these tests determine if a patient has vertigo by checking the eye or body movements after a doctor moves the patient in certain ways, triggering vertigo. None of the tests cause pain, but may make the patient feel the discomfort associated with vertigo. 

What Are The Common Treatments For Vertigo? 

Vertigo treatment may consist of one or more of the following, depending on your doctor’s recommendation: