Vertigo is a symptom characterized by the sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and difficulty in maintaining balance. This condition can be disorienting and disruptive to daily life. Understanding the various causes of vertigo is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment.
1. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium particles (canaliths) clump up in the canals of the inner ear. The inner ear is responsible for sending signals to the brain about head and body movements relative to gravity. When these particles accumulate, they interfere with these signals, leading to dizziness.
2. Meniere’s Disease
This disease is characterized by episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). It’s thought to be caused by a buildup of fluid and changing pressure in the ear. These changes disrupt the ear’s normal balance and hearing signals, leading to vertigo and other symptoms.
3. Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis
This is an inner ear problem usually related to infection (often viral). The infection causes inflammation in the inner ear around nerves that are important for helping the body sense balance.
4. Migraine-Associated Vertigo
Many people with migraines experience dizziness and vertigo even when they’re not having a headache. This type of vertigo is linked to migraine episodes and may be triggered by various migraine-inducing factors.
5. Head or Neck Injury
Trauma to the head or neck can result in vertigo, which may be due to damage to the vestibular system, the part of the inner ear involved in balance.
6. Medications
Some medications can cause vertigo as a side effect, particularly those that affect the ear or the brain. These include certain antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, and sedatives.
7. Stroke or Brain Problems
Less commonly, vertigo can be a symptom of a stroke, brain tumor, or other brain disorders. These conditions can affect the parts of the brain that deal with balance and spatial orientation.
8. Age-Related Changes
As people age, changes in the inner ear can cause vertigo. This is often due to degeneration of the vestibular system.
9. Psychological Factors
Sometimes, vertigo can be linked to psychological factors such as anxiety, panic attacks, or stress.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing vertigo involves a thorough medical examination, which may include hearing tests, balance tests, blood tests, and imaging tests like MRI or CT scans. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve physical therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery in severe cases.
Understanding the root cause of vertigo is crucial for effective treatment. If you experience symptoms of vertigo, it’s important to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and management. With the right approach, many causes of vertigo can be effectively treated or managed.
How Dr. Alex Bello Treats Vertigo
At Los Angeles Upper Cervical, Dr. Alex Bello offers specialized upper cervical chiropractic treatments, particularly beneficial for those suffering from vertigo due to head and neck injuries. This chiropractic approach helps realign the spine, enabling the body’s natural healing processes to work more effectively and enhance overall health.
Dr. Bello’s expertise lies in the Blair Chiropractic Technique, a method known for its precision and gentle approach, distinct from conventional chiropractic methods that often involve sharp movements. This technique involves a softer touch, utilizing advanced diagnostic imaging to thoroughly assess the spine before starting treatment. This detailed evaluation allows Dr. Bello to understand a patient’s unique spinal structure, ensuring a tailored and effective treatment.
For individuals experiencing vertigo as a result of trauma to the head or neck, upper cervical care with Dr. Bello could be a viable, non-invasive, and medication-free treatment option. This method has been effective in helping many patients overcome chronic vertigo.
If vertigo is impacting your daily life, consider scheduling an appointment with Los Angeles Upper Cervical. Dr. Bello extends his upper cervical chiropractic services to residents of Brentwood, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Culver City, Marina Del Rey, West Los Angeles, and surrounding communities.