It is important to determine first the root cause of your vertigo before deciding to see a specialist. If your main symptoms are dizziness and unsteadiness, then an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist is probably the best place to start.
This is because vertigo is often caused by the disruption of signals within the balance system of the ear. An ENT specialist will be able to conduct a physical exam and other diagnostic tests, such as an MRI or ENG, to assess your inner ear and determine if your vertigo is caused by a structural issue like a displaced bone, infected inner ear, or deposition of calcium within the ear.
On the other hand, if your vertigo is accompanied by other neurologic symptoms, such as weakness, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, confusion, or seizures, it may be more appropriate to see a neurologist for assessment, diagnostic testing, and treatment.
Neurologists specialize in disorders of the nervous system and will be able to determine if the vertigo is secondary to a neurological disorder such as multiple sclerosis, seizure, stroke, or brain tumor.
Depending on the underlying cause, a neurologist might prescribe medications, or surgeries to correct the balance system.
If you are unsure and have not had any diagnostic tests done, it is best to consult your primary care physician for a referral and/or further management.
Table of Contents
Should you see an ENT If you have vertigo?
Yes, seeing an ENT (ear, nose, throat specialist) is beneficial if you have vertigo. An ENT can perform a physical examination, as well as specialized tests to diagnose the underlying cause of your vertigo.
Possible causes include BPPV (Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), Meniere’s Disease, vestibular migraines, or other conditions of the ear and nervous system. An ENT can also identify any external factors that may be triggering your vertigo, such as infection or allergies.
In addition, an ENT can provide treatment options such as medications, exercises, lifestyle changes, and even surgery when necessary. Visiting an ENT is the best way to ensure that your condition is properly diagnosed and treated, so it is important to consult with one if you have vertigo.
Can an ENT do anything about vertigo?
Yes, an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist can help diagnose and manage vertigo. Vertigo is caused by an inner ear disorder, which an ENT can diagnose through a physical exam and medical history evaluation.
Commonly, an ENT will assess and diagnose the cause of vertigo and create an individualized treatment plan. Treatment plans may include medications or physical therapy exercises, such as the Epley maneuver, to help ease symptoms.
Severe cases of vertigo may require more complex treatments, such as surgery, labrynthotomy, endolymphatic sac shunt, or cochlear nerve section. It is important to see an ENT if symptoms persist, as the cause of vertigo could be related to a more serious condition.
What kind of doctor should you see for vertigo?
If you are experiencing vertigo, you should see an ear, nose and throat specialist (ENT), also known as an otolaryngologist. An ENT specializes in conditions of the head and neck, including vertigo. Your ENT can evaluate your vertigo and identify any underlying causes.
They may also offer treatments, such as medications, balance exercises, and physical therapy, to help you manage your vertigo. In some cases, they may refer you to a neurologist if further testing is needed.
It is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms and get their advice on how to best manage your vertigo.
How do I know if my vertigo is neurological?
If you think you may be experiencing vertigo, it is important to consult a medical professional to determine a diagnosis. Vertigo is caused by a variety of underlying causes, some of which are neurological in nature.
In order to determine if your vertigo is neurological, a medical professional may perform a range of tests, including an evaluation of your medical history, a physical exam, balance tests and hearing tests.
Depending on your case, additional testing such as MRI or CT scans may be performed. Your doctor may also recommend laboratory tests to check for certain conditions.
It is also important to note that vertigo can have non-neurological causes such as an infection, ear infection, or a head trauma. If a neurological cause is suspected, a doctor may order additional testing such as an MRI or CT scan to see if there is an abnormality in the brain or nervous system.
If neurological vertigo is diagnosed, treatment options may include medications, vestibular rehabilitation exercises, balance training, and lifestyle modifications, among others. In some cases, surgery may be recommended as well.
It is important to discuss your treatment options and expectations with your medical provider so you can get back to living a normal, healthy life.
Why wont my vertigo go away?
Vertigo can be a frustrating and uncomfortable condition. Unfortunately, it is not always easy to answer the question of why it won’t go away. A variety of factors could cause vertigo to be persistent, and the potential causes, and therefore treatment plans, can vary.
It is possible that a person’s vertigo may be caused by an issue with the inner ear. This can include issues such as BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), benign endolymphatic hydrops, Meniere’s disease, or labyrinthitis.
These types of inner ear issues can require specific treatments. If the vertigo is caused by an inner ear issue, then the treatment plan may include changes to diet, such as reducing salt and caffeine intake, as well as using medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroid medications, to reduce inflammation and symptom flare-ups.
It is also possible that the cause of the vertigo could be a neurological issue, such as a stroke, brain tumor, or a concussion. These types of issues would require further investigations, such as imaging studies, to diagnose and possibly treat the underlying causes.
Treatments can include medications, as well as rehabilitation and physical therapy to help with rehabilitation and balance.
Other possible causes of vertigo could include allergies, such as allergies to certain foods or medications, as well as stress and anxiety. If these could be the causes, then treatments could include antihistamines or anti-anxiety medications, as well as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
If the vertigo is persistent, then it may be beneficial for an individual to see their healthcare provider for further investigation and possibly a referral to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist or a neurologist.
A qualified healthcare professional can help to determine what is causing the vertigo and offer treatment options to help reduce the symptoms.
Can a primary care doctor diagnose vertigo?
Yes, a primary care doctor can diagnose vertigo. However, depending on the severity and the cause of the vertigo, a referral to a specialist may be required. The primary care doctor will likely perform a physical exam and neurological exam to check for any physical problems that can cause vertigo.
Additionally, they may do an eye movement test (crictolith/positional nystagmus test) to analyze the movement of your eyes in response to certain changes. Depending on the diagnosis, the primary care doctor may recommend an MRA scan, an x-ray, or a CT scan to look for any abnormalities in the cranial bones or brain that can lead to vertigo.
Finally, depending on the severity of the vertigo, they may recommend balance therapy and vestibular rehabilitation to help treat the issue.
Can a neurologist cure vertigo?
No, a neurologist cannot cure vertigo. However, they can diagnose and provide treatment options that can help reduce symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Depending on the cause of the vertigo, treatment may involve physical therapy, certain medications, or a combination of both.
Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help reduce symptoms of vertigo and reduce nausea or vomiting associated with it. Physical therapy such as balance re-education, vestibular rehabilitation, or exercises to improve coordination and balance can also be effective treatments for vertigo.
If the vertigo is determined to be a result of a structural problem in the brain or neck, then the neurologist may refer the patient to a neurosurgeon for further evaluation and possible treatment.
Does vertigo mean brain tumor?
No, vertigo does not mean brain tumor. Vertigo is a feeling of dizziness or motion sickness in which one feels as though one’s surroundings or oneself is spinning or moving when it’s actually not. It is a symptom that can be caused by a number of medical conditions, such as ear infections or inflammation, Meniere’s Disease, BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), and vestibular neuronitis, but it does not mean brain tumor.
Brain tumors, however, can cause vertigo, in addition to other symptoms such as headaches, nausea, severe balance issues, vision impairment, and seizures, but they are not the only cause of vertigo. To determine the cause of vertigo, it is recommended to see a doctor for diagnostic tests and proper treatment.
Is it normal to have vertigo for months?
Unfortunately, it is not completely abnormal to have vertigo for months at a time. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that can come on suddenly and last varying amounts of time. The duration of vertigo depends on the underlying cause, and in some cases, can last for months.
Common causes of vertigo include inner ear infections, head injuries, and certain medications, though there are many other potential causes as well. If vertigo persists for months and is accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, hearing changes, or loss of balance, it is important to see a health care provider to determine the cause and receive treatment.
In most cases, vertigo can be managed or resolved with proper intervention.
What diseases are associated with vertigo?
Vertigo is a symptom associated with a variety of diseases, including BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), Meniere’s disease, Vestibular neuritis, Labyrinthitis and migraine-associated vertigo.
BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo, occurring when small otoliths migrate into parts of the ear canal where they don’t belong. It causes abnormal fluid flow in the inner ear, resulting in vertigo.
Meniere’s disease is caused by increased pressure of the labyrinthine fluids and results in vertigo, ringing of the ears, hearing loss and congestion of the inner ear. Vestibular neuritis is caused by an inflammation of the vestibulocochlear nerve and can cause vertigo, nausea, vomiting and balance deficits.
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the labyrinth caused by a viral infection or bacterial toxins and can cause intense vertigo and hearing loss. Migraine-associated vertigo is caused by a disturbance of the trigeminal nerve and can cause vertigo with or without migraine headaches.
What will an ENT do for vertigo?
An ENT (ear, nose, throat) doctor can help with vertigo. An ENT will typically do a physical exam, including an examination of the ears, eyes, and head and neck, to determine if there might be a potential cause for the vertigo.
An ENT might also test balance, vision, and hearing to determine if those may be contributing factors. Depending on the cause and the type of vertigo, an ENT can suggest and even perform certain treatments that can help alleviate the vertigo, like medications, physical or vestibular therapy, exercises, or other interventions.
Depending on the cause and severity of the vertigo, the ENT may also refer you to a medical specialist such as a neurologist, or suggest specialized imaging or diagnostic testing at another facility.
Ultimately, the ENT is responsible for accurately diagnosing the cause of the vertigo and determining how best to treat it.
How does an ENT test for vertigo?
When examining a person for vertigo, an ENT (ear, nose, throat) specialist typically strives to determine the cause of the symptoms, as vertigo can be caused by many different conditions.
During the initial consultation, the specialist will collect a thorough medical history from the patient, including previously diagnosed medical conditions, any medications taken, and any incidents that preceded the onset of vertigo.
Next, a physical examination of the head, eyes, ears, and throat is performed to look for any signs of infection or structural problems. The specialist will then perform tests to assess balance, coordination and inner ear function, such as the Romberg Test, Head Thrust Test and Epley Maneuver.
The Romberg test is used to evaluate a person’s stability while standing with eyes closed, while the Head Thrust test is used to measure a person’s ability to detect movement when their head is moved from side to side.
An ENT may also perform the Hallpike maneuver, which involves bringing the patient’s head into different positions to check for nystagmus, or involuntary eye movement.
If the cause of vertigo is not determined after initial tests, imaging procedures such as X-rays and CT scans may be done to look for bone lesions, tumors, or an accumulation of fluid in the inner ear.
In some cases, a person may be referred to a neurologist or vestibular specialist to further examine their condition.
The diagnosis and treatment of vertigo is very individualized, and an ENT specialist will tailor the evaluation and tests to each person’s unique situation.
Can ENT doctor fix vertigo?
Yes, an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor can help diagnose and treat vertigo. Vertigo is a disorder in which a person experiences dizziness, a sense of moving or spinning, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.
While not all cases of vertigo can be cured, an ENT doctor can help determine if a particular case is treatable or not. They can also provide treatment options, including prescription or over-the-counter medications, lifestyle changes, and mental and physical therapies.
If the vertigo is caused by an issue with the inner ear, an ENT clinic may also provide surgical treatments. Therefore, an ENT doctor can help diagnose and treat vertigo successfully in many cases.
Why would ENT refer me to a neurologist?
ENTs (ear, nose, and throat doctors) may refer a patient to a neurologist for many reasons. These can include possible neurological issues such as headaches, dizziness, tinnitus, facial or neck pain, or loss of smell or taste.
Conditions involving the vestibular system (which controls balance) may also be referred to a neurologist. Hearing and balance disorders, such as dizziness or vertigo, interfere with the ability to carry out daily activities and affect quality of life, so ENTs may refer a patient to a specialist who can evaluate and diagnose the condition.
Additionally, ENTs may refer a patient to a neurologist if they require treatments such as balance retraining, physical therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, or surgery. When a neurological disorder is suspected, ENTs can refer a patient to a neurologist to receive further testing and evaluation.
