Dizziness and Vertigo

Vertigo is the sensation of movement when the body is stationary with respect to the surroundings. It can feel like spinning, swaying, or generalized imbalance. Vertigo may be associated with nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. When vertigo is severe, it can even cause difficulty walking.

Vertigo is generally separated into two categories, peripheral and central. Peripheral vertigo refers to a problem within the inner ear, whereas central vertigo implies an abnormality in the brain and central nervous system. Peripheral vertigo is the type of dizziness typically treated by an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat). There are numerous causes of peripheral vertigo, including benign paroxysmal postural vertigo (BPPV), labyrinthitis/vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease, and motion sickness after a long or turbulent airplane flight or a cruise. Less commonly, a benign tumor on the vestibular nerve can cause vertigo or imbalance.

Many patients get relief from their peripheral vertigo after a course of vestibular physical therapy. This may include techniques such as Epley maneuvers, gait training, and strengthening. Suburban Ear, Nose, and Throat does have an on-site physical therapist to address many of your dizziness issues.