If you’re experiencing symptoms of vertigo, it’s important to figure out what’s causing them and how best to treat them. In some cases, vertigo may be just a minor annoyance, but in others it can be a sign of a more serious problem. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to determine whether or not you should see a vertigo specialist about your vertigo symptoms.
- When vertigo symptoms are accompanied by other concerning symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, you should see a doctor right away. These could be signs of a more serious condition like a heart attack or stroke. If you experience vertigo that comes on suddenly and is severe, lasts for more than a few minutes, or is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, you should also see a doctor. These could be signs of a condition called vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis, which is an inner ear inflammation. Treatment for these conditions usually includes antibiotics or antiviral drugs. In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended.
- When vertigo episodes become more frequent or last for longer periods of time, it may be time to see a doctor. Chronic vertigo can be caused by various underlying conditions, and treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, vertigo may be relieved with medication or physical therapy. But in other cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. If you are experiencing frequent or severe vertigo, it is important to see a doctor to diagnose and treat the cause properly.
- When home treatment measures and lifestyle changes fail to provide relief from vertigo symptoms, it might be time to see a doctor. Your primary care doctor can often diagnose and treat vertigo. But if your doctor suspects a more serious problem, they might refer you to a specialist such as an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) or neurologist. Be sure to see your doctor if vertigo comes on suddenly and severely, if it’s accompanied by hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or if it’s accompanied by other neurological symptoms such as numbness, double vision, or weakness. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as a stroke.
- If vertigo symptoms make it difficult to perform daily activities or interfere with your quality of life, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may order tests to rule out any underlying medical conditions. In most cases, vertigo can be treated effectively with medication or physical therapy. However, if the cause of vertigo is not treated, the symptoms may continue or worsen over time. If you are experiencing vertigo symptoms, see your doctor for an evaluation.
Treatment
Treatment for vertigo depends on the underlying cause. But often, vertigo can be treated with vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which is designed to help your brain learn to compensate for the problem. Medications can also be used to treat the symptoms of vertigo. If you have positional vertigo, your doctor might recommend a series of maneuvers to help relocate particles in your ear that is causing the problem. Surgery is rarely needed to treat vertigo but might be an option in some cases.
Conclusion
If you are experiencing vertigo symptoms, it is important to see a doctor for an evaluation. In most cases, vertigo can be effectively treated.
