Vertigo causes you to feel off balance and dizzy. It can make you feel that you are spinning, or that the world around you is spinning. This condition can make everyday tasks incredibly challenging. Fortunately, the professionals at Boca Health & Wellness Center in Boca Raton can help.
What Are the Causes Of Vertigo?
Vertigo is often caused by problems in the inner ear. The most common inner ear problems include:
- Benign Paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): This condition occurs when tiny particles of calcium build up in the inner ear canal. Nobody knows what causes this, but it is believed to have something to do with age.
- Meniere's disease: This is an inner ear condition that occurs when fluid builds up in the ear, which changes the pressure. This condition is often accompanied by tinnitus and partial hearing loss.
- Vestibular neuritis: this is a condition of the inner ear that is caused by a viral infection. The infection can cause inflammation around the nerves, which are essential for your sense of balance.
- Other causes: Less common causes include head or neck injury, stroke, brain tumor, migraine headaches and some medications.
What Are the Symptoms Of Vertigo?
As mentioned above, vertigo can make you feel unbalanced and like the world is spinning. It can also cause you to feel like you are tilting, swaying or being pulled in one direction. Vertigo can cause other physical symptoms including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Excessive sweating
- Ringing in the ears
- Hearing loss
- Jerking movements of the eye
The symptoms of vertigo come and go. They can last for as little as a few minutes or a few hours.
How Is Vertigo Diagnosed?
There are a few tests required to diagnose vertigo.
- Physical exam: During a physical exam, the doctor will examine the ear canal and the ear drum. They might also ask you to track an object to check for blurriness and rapid eye movements.
- Hearing test: Because hearing loss is a symptom of vertigo, your doctor may order one.
- Videonystagmography test: This test uses sensory and visual tests to evaluate the function of the inner ear.
- Rotational chair test: During this test, you sit in a chair that rotates slowly while wearing special goggles that record your eye movement. The test can let the doctor know if your vertigo is central or peripheral.
- MRI: Your doctor might order an MRI to get a good look at your inner ear and the surrounding structures.
How Can a Chiropractor Treat Vertigo?
If you are suffering from vertigo, a chiropractor can help. A chiropractic adjustment can realign the cervical spine, which will correct the pathways to the nervous system, which can treat the condition.
If you are suffering from vertigo, schedule an appointment with Boca Health & Wellness Center in Boca Raton. After the first visit, you should start feeling some relief. To schedule an appointment, give us a call today.