Understanding Vertigo: Causes and Treatments

Dizziness and imbalance can disrupt your daily life. These symptoms affect millions of people worldwide, causing discomfort and impacting their quality of life. At Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vertigo to help you regain stability and confidence in your daily activities.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is not a condition itself but a symptom of an underlying issue. It creates a sensation of spinning, even when you’re standing still. People with vertigo often describe feeling as though their surroundings are moving.

This sensation is commonly associated with inner ear problems, which play a crucial role in maintaining balance. However, other factors can also contribute to vertigo, making a professional diagnosis essential. "Vertigo is often linked to inner ear disorders, but it can stem from a variety of causes. A comprehensive evaluation is critical to identifying the underlying issue and developing an effective treatment plan to restore balance and improve daily function," explains Dr. Samuel Bittel of Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City.

Common Causes of Vertigo

1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It happens when small calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged and shift into the semicircular canals. This disrupts the balance signals sent to the brain, leading to episodes of dizziness triggered by head and body movements.

2. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis

This condition leads to inflammation of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. Symptoms include sudden, severe vertigo, often accompanied by nausea and difficulty walking.

3. Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a long-term condition that impacts the inner ear. It causes recurrent episodes of vertigo, along with hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.

4. Vestibular Migraine

Migraines can sometimes be associated with vertigo. People with this condition experience dizziness before, during, or after a migraine attack, even without a headache.

5. Head Injuries

A head injury can cause balance issues and vertigo. It’s important to get evaluated and treated as soon as possible after any head trauma.

Diagnosing Vertigo

Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City is dedicated to delivering comprehensive, expert care to help alleviate your vertigo.  Using cutting-edge diagnostic tools and techniques, we pinpoint the cause of your condition, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan customized to meet your needs. Our process begins with a thorough review of your medical history and an open conversation about your symptoms, allowing us to fully understand your unique needs.

We take a personalized approach to your care, ensuring that every step of the diagnostic process is tailored to your needs, helping restore balance and improve your quality of life.

Treatment Options for Vertigo

Several treatment options exist for those who struggle with vertigo. These include:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

VRT is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to improve balance and reduce dizziness. This therapy involves exercises that train your brain to adapt to the signals from your inner ear, helping alleviate vertigo symptoms over time.

Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers

For BPPV, repositioning maneuvers like the Epley maneuver are highly effective. These gentle head movements guide the dislodged calcium particles  out of the semicircular canals, resolving vertigo episodes.

Medications

There are some instances where medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms such as nausea, inflammation, or migraines associated with vertigo.

Dietary Changes

For conditions like Meniere’s disease, reducing sodium intake can help manage fluid buildup in the inner ear, minimizing vertigo episodes.

Surgical Intervention

In some rare situations, surgery might be suggested if other treatments don’t work, especially for severe Meniere’s disease or structural issues in the inner ear.

Why You Should Trust Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City

When it comes to treating vertigo, expertise and personalized care make all the difference. Offering locations in Lee’s Summit, Kansas City and Overland Park, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive evaluations and effective treatments tailored to your specific needs. We understand how disruptive vertigo can be and are here to help you regain control of your life. With us, you can expect:

• Expert Care: Our specialists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating balance disorders.

• State-of-the-Art Technology: We use advanced tools to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms.

• Customized Treatments: Every treatment plan is designed with your unique situation in mind.

• Compassionate Approach: We take the time to listen, understand, and address your concerns.

Contact Us Today for Expert Care

Don’t let vertigo take control of your life. At Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City, we’re here to provide personalized care that gets to the bottom of what’s causing your symptoms. Our goal is to help you feel steady on your feet and bring you peace of mind.

Call us today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you find relief from vertigo and restore your confidence in everyday activities. Together, we’ll get you back on steady ground.