![]() ![]() During the visit, your physician may recommend obtaining a comprehensive audiogram (hearing test). If you are experiencing symptoms of vertigo, it is helpful to be seen by an Ear Nose and Throat specialist (Otolaryngologist) to rule out inner ear disorders. In many cases, first line treatments such as a low-salt diet and a diuretic can be helpful to control or eliminate symptoms. Coping with Meniere’s can be challenging, as attacks are unpredictable. Meniere’s Disease can sometimes become a chronic condition, and may affect a patient for many years after onset. Although the cause of Meniere’s Disease is not well understood, it is thought to be related to a fluid imbalance in the inner ear(endolymph). Patients with Meniere’s Disease experience episodic vertigo – lasting minutes to hours, ringing in the ears, and fluctuating hearing loss. If symptoms persist after an extended period of time, physical therapy can also be performed. Although there are no definitive cures for labyrinthitis, certain medications such as Meclizine can be provided that help calm the vestibular system of the inner ear. It is not uncommon for patients to experience labyrinthitis in the setting of an upper respiratory tract infection or cold. Labyrinthitis is caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, thought to be caused by a viral infection. Sometimes patients will experience residual symptoms lasting up to a month before completely resolving. Symptoms begin acutely and gradually improve. Associated symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, headaches, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. Unlike BPPV, patients with labyrinthitis experience constant vertigo, lasting several hours, sometimes days. Labyrinthitis is another common cause of acute vertigo. Sometimes a patient will require a repositioning maneuver known as an Epley procedure to help resolve the positional vertigo. If the dizziness persists, at-home exercises called the Brandt-Daroff exercises can be performed which often improves the condition. In most cases, the patient’s dizziness improves when keeping the head steady. It can be identified by an easy in-office test called the Dix-Hallpike test. BPPV is thought to be caused by loose particles (otoliths) in the inner ear. Episodes are triggered by positional changes of the head, such as rolling over in bed, looking up, or stooping over. Three of the most common causes of vertigo include BPPV, Meniere’s Disease, and Labyrinthitis.īPPV, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, is characterized by acute vertigo lasting approximately 30 seconds. Unlike most types of dizziness, vertigo is typically caused by disorders of the inner ear (labyrinth). Vertigo is the sensation of whirling, often described as a “room spinning ” feeling. On some occasions, patients will experience a specific type of dizziness called vertigo. Dizziness can be described in several ways, including being lightheaded, unsteady, or woozy. Feeling dizzy is a very common complaint in medicine. ![]()
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