Vertigo is a condition that causes dizziness and balance problems in adults and is usually caused by problems with the inner structures of the ear. The brainstem, cerebellum, and vestibular nerve all make up a region of the brain responsible for sensory perception, balance, and coordination.
Problems with balance are a safety risk. It can make you feel like the inside of your head is spinning, and someone experiencing it could easily lose their balance and fall. If you experienced an episode that felt like vertigo, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible for treatment. Losing your balance and falling and breaking your hip from vertigo could have fatal consequences. Vertigo treatment can reduce symptoms and improve hearing and balance.
Vertigo Symptoms
Not all patients who have vertigo experience identical symptoms. There are also varying degrees of intensity when it comes to symptoms. The most common symptoms of vertigo include:
- Abnormal involuntary eye movements
- Blurred vision; visual disturbances
- Slurred speech
- Difficulty walking; balance issues
- Feeling faint
- Loss of hearing
- Tinnitus — a ringing in the ears
- A feeling of fullness in the ears
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness and numbness
All of the symptoms mentioned above are not to be taken lightly. Make sure to write down any symptoms you are experiencing. It can help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) or Meniere’s Disease are two of the most common causes of vertigo. BPPV is usually caused by damage to the inner ear, while Meniere’s disease is caused by an imbalance of endolymph in the labyrinth compartment of the inner ear. With BPPV, the crystals in the otolith organs can become dislodged and move into the circular canals, which makes the patient sensitive to head movements. The cause of vertigo is determined using a series of hearing and balance tests.
Treatments
Treating vertigo caused by BPPV may involve a canalith repositioning, where the doctor attempts to move the crystals into a vestibule that houses one of the otolith organs. If this doesn’t work, the doctor can perform a canal plugging surgery, which involves plugging the semicircular canal in the ear to prevent sensitivity to head movements.
Treatment for Meniere’s disease aims to improve symptoms and generally requires a comprehensive plan. Medication and injections can help reduce the severity and duration of vertigo episodes. Rehabilitation can help improve balance and walking. For hearing loss, the doctor may recommend the use of a hearing aid. If symptoms do not improve, surgery can be performed to decompress the endolymphatic sac by placing a valve in the inner ear to drain fluid.
Vertigo Treatments in Georgetown, TX
Dr. Scott D. Franklin is our ENT doctor at Georgetown ENT and has vast experience providing a full range of vertigo treatments, from state-of-the-art medication to surgery. He is supported by highly qualified and compassionate staff, committed to giving you the attentive, personalized treatment you deserve.
We welcome patients from Austin and all over Williamson County, including Georgetown, Round Rock, Leander, and Cedar Park. To make an appointment with a Georgetown ENT doctor, call (512) 869-0604 or use our online request form.
