Vertigo

Episodes of vertigo and dizziness are common, short-lived, and typically infrequent. But if your vertigo recurs or it’s severe enough to put you at risk for falling, it’s time to see Dr. A. R. Scopelliti, DC, at Monmouth Functional Neurology Center in Eatontown, New Jersey. He has extensive experience in determining the cause of your vertigo and developing an individualized treatment plan that relieves your symptoms. If you have questions about vertigo or you’d like to schedule an appointment, call the office or use the online booking feature today.

What is the difference between vertigo and dizziness?

Dizziness is a general term referring to lightheadedness, loss of balance, and vertigo. Vertigo specifically refers to the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. While vertigo is a type of dizziness, the two conditions arise from different causes.

What causes dizziness?

Your body relies on multiple systems to maintain balance. Health conditions that affect these systems and cause dizziness include:

• Inner ear infections
• Migraines
• Neurological conditions
• Traumatic brain injury
• Low blood sugar
• Certain medications

Many people get dizzy when they’re overheated or dehydrated.

What causes vertigo?

Vertigo develops due to problems in your central nervous system or your ear. When the cause lies in your central nervous system, your vertigo may be due to:

• Stroke
• Migraines
• Concussion
• Dementia
• Multiple sclerosis
• Acoustic neuroma

If ear problems are to blame, your vertigo may be caused by vestibular neuritis or Meniere’s disease. However, the most common problem is called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

BPPV occurs when tiny crystals normally found inside the ear break away and float in the fluid-filled semicircular canals. The canals have an essential role in maintaining your balance. When the crystals disrupt fluid movement in the canals, you develop vertigo.

Does vertigo cause other symptoms?

In addition to the sensation of spinning, you may also have:

• Headaches
• Involuntary eye movements
• Ringing in your ears
• Balance problems
• Feelings of disorientation

Vertigo is often triggered by rapid head movement, such as when you roll over in bed.

How do neurologists treat vertigo?

After reviewing your medical history and performing an exam, Dr. Scopelliti may conduct hearing or balance tests to determine the cause of your vertigo. Then they recommend treatment based on the underlying cause.

With BPPV, Dr. Scopelliti puts you through a series of simple, slow movements that change your head position. The goal is to make the crystals move out of the semicircular canals and into an area of your inner ear where they’re harmless. These maneuvers vary, however, depending upon where the debris is located. As such, it is not uncommon to see patients who have not been cured when they were managed by other less trained providers. 

Your treatment may include medications to alleviate nausea, vestibular suppressants to relieve dizziness, and water pills to eliminate the build-up of fluids caused by Meniere’s disease.

If you are suffering with vertigo, you will receive exceptional care from the team at Monmouth Functional Neurology Center. Call the office or use the online booking feature today to schedule an appointment.