What Causes Vertigo and Can It Be Treated?

Vertigo is a false sensation of feeling like you’re spinning or that the room you’re in is moving. While vertigo can sometimes result from inner ear issues, other possible causes, including stroke, require immediate medical care.

At Parkview Cardiology PLLC in New York City, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing in-office to identify the root cause of dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms of vertigo.

Kedar Sankholkar, MD, MS, FACC, our board-certified cardiologist and internal medicine physician, takes a proactive approach to treating vertigo triggers so you can find lasting relief.

Why you have vertigo

Vertigo isn’t a condition, but rather a symptom of a medical issue. In many cases, people experience room-spinning sensations due to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), a condition where calcium crystals in the inner ear shift.

The movement of the crystals interferes with the body’s balance system, resulting in sensations of spinning and tilting, even when there’s no physical movement.

Simple changes in your head or body position may trigger BPPV, such as rolling over in bed, bending down, or looking upward.

Vertigo can also be a side effect of other conditions, including:

Inner ear infection
Migraine
Head injury
Concussion
Multiple sclerosis
Ménière’s disease (fluid buildup in the inner ear)

Certain neurological conditions that interfere with signals from the brain to the body can also trigger episodes of vertigo.

What vertigo feels like

People often describe vertigo as feeling as if the room you’re in is moving or tilting sideways. You may also feel as if you’re physically spinning, even when your body is still.

The sensation of movement can last for just a few seconds before resolving. However, some people with vertigo have symptoms that persist for hours or come and go over time.

Vertigo sensations can be disorienting and unsettling, triggering worry or anxiety about your health and well-being.

There are several diagnostic strategies, including an eye movement assessment, that Dr. Sankholkar uses to identify the underlying cause of vertigo. He may also request a CT scan or MRI if he suspects a stroke.

Treatment options for vertigo

Relieving vertigo symptoms requires treating the root cause. Dr. Sankholkar tailors a care plan to the condition being treated.

If BPPV is the cause, you may need physical therapy to correct balance issues. Another option is the Epley maneuver, a vertigo treatment that involves moving the head in certain ways to restore the alignment of inner ear crystals.

If you have an ear infection or inflammation in the inner ear, Dr. Sankholkar can prescribe medications to address it.

Diet and lifestyle changes may also benefit those with vertigo. Eating healthily, managing stress, and practicing good sleep hygiene can help maintain health and wellness.

To schedule a diagnostic evaluation for vertigo, call the Midtown Manhattan office of Parkview Cardiology PLLC or request an appointment online today.