Vertigo Treatment to Get Rid of Spinning, Dizziness

Imagine standing up and suddenly feeling like the world is spinning around you. That's vertigo, a sensation that affects around 40% of adults in the US at least once in their lifetime. Dizziness, including vertigo, impacts between 15% and 20% of adults each year. 

This common condition can significantly disrupt your daily life, but don't worry—there are effective treatment options available. In this guide, we'll take a closer look at the prevalence, impact, and treatment of vertigo. We will offer valuable insights to help you manage its symptoms and regain control. Let's begin!

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness or spinning that can be quite disorienting and even frightening. It's important to note that vertigo is not the same as lightheadedness, which is a feeling of faintness or near-fainting. With vertigo, you actually feel like you or your surroundings are moving, even when you're perfectly still.

What are Vertigo Symptoms?

Common Causes of Vertigo

Vertigo can arise from various issues affecting the inner ear, brain, or even medications. Here's a breakdown of some potential causes:

Inner Ear:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause of vertigo. It happens when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become loose and trigger a spinning sensation when you move your head in certain ways.
• Labyrinthitis: This is when the inner ear becomes inflamed due to a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause dizziness, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Meniere's Disease: This condition is because of a fluid imbalance in the inner ear. It leads to episodes of vertigo, along with hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of fullness in the ear.
• Perilymphatic Fistula: This is an abnormal opening in the inner ear that can cause vertigo. In some cases, hearing loss, especially during physical exertion or changes in pressure.

Brain:

• Migraine: Migraines can sometimes cause vertigo, along with headache, nausea, and changes in vision.
• Stroke: A stroke is because of a disruption of blood flow to the brain. Depending on which part of the brain is affected, it can lead to symptoms like vertigo.
• Brain Tumors: Tumors in the brain can put pressure on certain areas. This situation causes vertigo along with other brain related symptoms.
• Cerebellar Disorders: Problems with the cerebellum, which is responsible for balance and coordination, can cause vertigo.

Other:

• Medications: Some medications, such as antibiotics, anti-seizure drugs, and aspirin, can have side effects that include vertigo.
• Head Injury: A head injury can damage the inner ear or parts of the brain, leading to vertigo.
• Cervical Spine Issues: Problems with the vertebrae in the neck can sometimes affect balance and trigger vertigo.
• Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety can sometimes cause dizziness or sensations similar to vertigo.

Diagnosis: How Doctors Identify Vertigo

Diagnosing vertigo involves a series of steps to determine the underlying cause and rule out other conditions. Here's how doctors identify vertigo:

• Medical History: The doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, when they started. They may also asks, if anything triggers or worsens them. The doctor may inquire about your medical history and any medications you're taking.
   
• Physical Examination: The doctor will conduct a physical exam to check for signs of inner ear problems, and brain related issues. On the other hand, they will also examine other conditions that could be causing vertigo.
   
• Dix-Hallpike Test: This maneuver helps diagnose benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). You'll be asked to lie down quickly with your head turned to one side. Then, the doctor will observe your eye movements for signs of nystagmus (involuntary eye movements).
   
• Romberg Test: This test assesses your balance and awareness of body position by having you stand with your feet together and eyes closed. A loss of balance may indicate a vestibular problem.
   
• Vestibular Tests: These tests evaluate the function of the vestibular system. It includes the inner ear and brain pathways that help control balance. Common tests include the caloric test, rotary chair test, and vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) test.
   
• Imaging Tests: In some cases, imaging tests like CT scans or MRI scans may be ordered to rule out other causes of vertigo, such as tumors or strokes.
   
• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help identify underlying conditions. These causes can be such as infections or metabolic disorders, that may be contributing to vertigo.
   
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): An EEG may be done to assess brain activity and rule out seizure disorders. Because these disorders can sometimes cause symptoms similar to vertigo.
   
• Audiometry: They may conduct a hearing test to assess hearing function. Because some causes of vertigo can also affect hearing.

By performing these tests and assessments, doctors can identify the cause of vertig. Thus, they develop an appropriate treatment plan to help manage your symptoms.

Treatment Options for Vertigo

Vertigo, the feeling of spinning or dizziness, can really disrupt your life. But there are treatments that can help. Here's a breakdown:

Medications:

• Motion sickness medication: These can help with the nausea and vomiting that often come with vertigo, at least in the short term.
• Vestibular suppressants: These can reduce the spinning feeling, but they might make you feel sleepy.
• Migraine medication: If migraines are causing your vertigo, these drugs can help prevent or treat them.

Important points:

• Always talk to a doctor before taking any medication. Because they can have side effects and interact with other medications.
• Medications can help with symptoms, but they won't cure the underlying cause of vertigo.

Therapies:

• Canalith repositioning maneuvers (CRMs): A healthcare professional will move your head and body in specific ways. Thus, it helps to reposition tiny crystals in your inner ear, which can fix the vertigo.
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT): This is like physical therapy for your balance. It can help your brain get used to inner ear issues and improve your balance.
• Balance exercises: These exercises can strengthen your core, improve coordination, and make your gaze more stable, all of which can help with vertigo.
• Stress management: Learning ways to relax and manage stress can help with the anxiety that often comes with vertigo.

These treatments can make a big difference in how you feel, so don't hesitate to explore your options with a healthcare professional.

Vertigo Treatment: Estimated Prices in the UK and Turkey

The UK:

Vertigo treatment costs vary based on type, location, and provider. Here is an estimated range: 

• Private consultation: €100-€500. 
• Canalith repositioning: €70-€200/session.  
• Vestibular rehab: €70-€200/session. Medication cost varies. 
• NHS covers most, but check for extra costs. Charities like British Tinnitus Association can also offer support and cost information.

Turkey:

Vertigo treatment costs depends on type, location, and provider. However, here is an estimated range: 

• Consultation with a specialist: €60 - €200
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) session: €20 - €50 per session
• Medication (e.g., vestibular suppressants): Costs vary depending on the medication and dosage prescribed
• Conversion would depend on the specific medication and dosage.

Discovering the right treatment for vertigo has never been easier with Wupdoc! No more endless searching or comparing prices. Wupdoc simplifies the process by allowing you to compare costs for vertigo treatments from the best ENT specialists and clinics worldwide. 

Explore detailed clinic and doctor profiles, find options that fit your budget, and tailor your search to meet your specific needs. Whether you're considering medication or other treatments, Wupdoc is here to help you achieve your health goals. Start your search today and explore the possibilities!