What are the symptoms of dizziness?
Dizziness refers to several sensations that make you feel weak and unstable. Symptoms include:
- Lightheadedness
- Wooziness
- Loss of balance
- Heavy headedness
- A false sense of spinning or motion
Dizziness is often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and fainting. Prolonged or persistent dizziness puts you at an increased risk for injury. If your condition becomes severe or recurrent, speak with a medical professional about possible causes of your condition.
What causes dizziness?
Because dizziness is more of a symptom, there’s a long list of possible culprits. In most cases, dizziness is caused by a minor, highly treatable condition. The most common causes of dizziness include:
- Ear infections
- Anemia
- Migraines
- Low blood sugar
- Low blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Dehydration
- Medications
Most cases of dizziness can be successfully addressed with guidance from your doctor. In rarer cases, dizziness can be a sign of serious conditions like heart muscle disease or a brain disorder. Dr. Berg can help you determine the severity of your condition and get you on the right path to effective relief.
What is vertigo?
Vertigo refers to false sensations of spinning or moving. Benign positional vertigo (BPV), the most common cause of vertigo, occurs when you suddenly shift the position of your head. This motion agitates the fluid in your sensitive ear canals, causing feelings of spinning and dizziness. BPV is typically harmless and should subside over time.
What is Meniere’s disease?
Meniere’s disease is a chronic disorder of the inner ear. Patients with Meniere’s disease experience headaches, nausea, loss of balance, and recurrent dizziness (vertigo) as the condition impairs the affected ear canal. Symptoms of Meniere’s disease typically only affect one ear and can go dormant for extended periods of time.
How is dizziness diagnosed?
Before you can begin treatment Dr. Berg needs to determine the cause of your dizziness. Your diagnosis begins with a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you’re taking. Dr. Berg also performs a physical exam to check how well you maintain your balance as you walk. Depending on his findings, Dr. Berg may perform additional tests including:
- Eye movement test
- Head movement test
- Blood test
Once you’ve been diagnosed, Dr. Berg determines the best approach for treating your underlying condition and relieving your dizziness symptoms.
How is dizziness treated?
There are a number of conditions that can cause dizziness. Treatment depends on the details of your diagnosis. Treatments include:
- Medication
- Balance therapy
- Antibiotics
- Inner ear surgery
You and Dr. Berg discuss the best option for addressing your condition. Dr. Berg specializes in high-quality, individualized ENT care. To find out what’s causing your dizziness symptoms, book an appointment by phone or online today.
