Vertigo or dizziness makes someone feel like the world is spinning. The feeling usually limits movement and comes with other symptoms such as lightheadedness, dizziness, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, MN Ear & Sinus can help you. Visit our vertigo clinic in Blaine today for diagnosis and treatment.
Generally, dizziness and vertigo are used interchangeably to refer to a sense of imbalance. However, dizziness is an open-ended symptom that could be a result of multiple illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes, heart conditions, hypotension, among others.
Vertigo, on the other hand, is an off-balance sensation that is mostly associated with inner ear problems. Vertigo is usually a symptom of problems involving the balance centers of the brain and the inner ear.
What Causes Vertigo?
Aside from a few cases of brain problems, head/neck injury, and migraines, vertigo is generally caused by complications of the inner ear. The most common include:
The inner ear is responsible for sending information to the brain about the movement of the head and other parts of the body to maintain balance. BPPV hinders this process by blocking the canals of the inner ear with calcium particles.
There is no particular reason as to why BPPV occurs. However, it is mainly reported among the elderly.
Labyrinthitis, also known as vestibular neuritis, causes vertigo and dizziness. The condition is associated with viral infections that lead to the inflammation of the inner ear. The inflammation usually interferes with the nerves that help the body to maintain balance.
This is a condition of the inner ear that is related to fluid buildup and pressure changes in the ear. The condition is often associated with the siren-like ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and hearing loss.
Treatment for Vertigo and Dizziness
Sometimes, vertigo may go away on its own. However, when it persists, it should be treated. The treatments depend on the causes of the conditions, and include:
This is a therapeutic treatment aimed at strengthening the vestibular system, which helps to maintain body balance by sending balance signals to the brain for interpretation. Our doctors may recommend vestibular therapy if you experience frequent episodes of vertigo.
Particle repositioning or canalith repositioning procedure helps to move loose calcium crystals from the ear canal into an inner ear chamber. The therapy should be performed by an experienced medical professional to avoid worsening vertigo rather than resolving it.
If vertigo is a result of an inflammation, our doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and, in turn, address vertigo. Diuretics are commonly prescribed to relieve fluid buildup in Meniere’s disease.
Our doctors may also recommend medication to relieve the symptoms associated with vertigo, such as lightheadedness, nausea, headaches, and vomiting.
Surgery is rarely required in treating vertigo. However, vertigo may turn out to be a symptom of an underlying problem that requires a surgical procedure.
Visit MN Ear & Sinus to find out more about our treatments for vertigo and dizziness. We serve residents from Blaine, Shoreview, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Circle Pines, and the surrounding areas.
Contact us at 763-296-EARS (763-296-3277) or fill our online form to schedule an appointment
MN Ear & Sinus Center was designed to give patient-centered Ear, Nose & Throat care with a focus on the Ears and Sinuses. Improving quality of life by improving hearing, balance, breathing, sinus health, and avoiding chronic infection with a holistic natural and lifestyle approach is what makes our center unique.
MN Ear & Sinus Center
4365 Pheasant Ridge Dr. NE, Suite 106
Blaine, MN 55449
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