Have you ever felt like the room was spinning, even when you were standing still? Vertigo and dizziness can be disorienting, frustrating, and even frightening, making simple daily tasks feel impossible. Left untreated, balance issues can increase your risk of falls, disrupt your independence, and diminish your quality of life.
At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, our experienced and compassionate team provides individualized care for every patient. With a commitment to respect, empathy, and education, we empower you to make informed decisions about your health and look forward to serving you and your family.
Symptoms of Vertigo and Dizziness
Vertigo and dizziness are feelings of unsteadiness, weakness or the sensation that the room is spinning. Patients with vertigo and dizziness may experience short episodes or bursts of the following symptoms:
In addition to these symptoms, patients may also experience:
Causes of Vertigo & Dizziness
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of episodes of unsteadiness. However, there is often a link between the inner ear and balance. The inner ears contain the vestibular system, which helps to regulate overall balance and detects when there is movement of the head. If there is an issue in the inner ear, such as infection or buildup of fluids, this can lead to unsteadiness and disorientation. Examples of inner ear disorders include:
Meniere’s Disease
If a patient has Meniere’s disease, they will experience a build-up of fluid in the ear. Over time, this build-up can put pressure on the inner ear, affecting the hearing and leading to longer episodes of unsteadiness.
Acute Vestibular Neuronitis
This inner ear disorder occurs when there is inflammation or infection in the inner ear, impacting the vestibular system.
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
One of the most common causes of unsteadiness, patients often experience short but intense episodes of disorientation, typically after moving the head quickly. While there is no exact cause of BPPV, it has been tied to head injuries or to particles collecting in the inner ear.
Cervicogenic Dizziness
Cervicogenic dizziness is characterized by the presence of imbalance, unsteadiness, disorientation, neck pain, limited cervical range of motion (ROM), and may be accompanied by a headache.
Motion Sensitivity
Motion sensitivity is characterized by nausea, dizziness, and imbalance in response to motion of the visual environment.
Vertigo & Dizziness Diagnosis
Diagnosis for inner ear disorders include testing head movements and visual testing, as inner ear conditions can impact gaze stability. Our team will also review your symptom patterns, including how frequently you experience episodes of vertigo and dizziness, how long each episode lasts and the symptoms of these episodes. If your provider suspects that you may be suffering from BPPV, they may utilize infrared goggles to see eye movements during positional testing.
Vertigo & Dizziness Treatment Options
Treatment varies based on your particular symptoms. While some conditions can be remedied during same-day office visits, others may take days or weeks to fully heal. Your Virginia ENT provider will collaborate with you to develop a customized treatment plan, including exercises and training, to help restore the vestibular system. This partnership between therapist and patient is crucial to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Take Control of Your Well-Being with Vertigo Treatment in Richmond, VA
Vertigo and dizziness don’t have to control your life. At Virginia Ear Nose and Throat, we are here to help you achieve lasting balance and peace of mind. Don’t wait, your path to feeling steady again starts here. Call us today at (804) 484-3700 to schedule your consultation.