Understanding Vertigo Denver CO
(435) 669-7801
Denver, CO
Understanding Vertigo
written by Dr. Michael Kaye
“Was I dizzy with love or was it something else”, asked one of my patients. It was last year and my patient was celebrating Valentine’s Day over dinner with his fiancé when he stood up, and experienced a wave of dizziness and almost passed out. Fortunately, today his dizziness is under control and he is doing well.
Dizziness or vertigo can originate from the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the peripheral nervous system (cranial nerves, spinal nerves, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system).
Vertigo from the peripheral nervous system includes benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), labyrinhitis, vestibular neuronitis and Meniere’s disease (vertigo, ringing in the ears, fullness or pressure in the ears, and temporary hearing loss). Dizziness stemming from the central nervous system can be caused by an acoustic neuroma (a tumor of the 7th cranial nerve), cervicogenic (originating from the spine in the neck) and multiple sclerosis.
Dizziness can also occur with medications, diabetes, thyroid conditions, elevated triglycerides, low blood sugar, sinus infections, stress and over-the-counter medications.
About 65% of vertigo is diagnosed as BPPV – a result of calcium debris in the ear (www.ACAtoday. org). This type of vertigo is treated through the Epley maneuver – a procedure in which the patient is rapidly moved from lying on one side to lying on the other. The goal of this procedure is to move calcium debris to a less sensitive location in the ear. Most benign paroxysmal positional vertigo resolves on its own within a few weeks.
If you experience dizziness it is important to tell your doctor as a complete evaluation should be performed. Your doctor may also refer you to specialists such as an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT), ophthalmologist (eye doctor) or a neurologist.
The treatment of vertigo depends upon the cause. If you suffer with BPPV the best choice of treatment is the Epley maneuver. Those who suffer with Meniere’s disease respond well by eliminating sodium from their diet. If you suffer from vertigo in the setting of headaches (migraine or headaches stemming from the cervical spine) or infection, it is best treated by adequate sleep and proper nutrition (eliminating sugar, artificial sweeteners, caffeine and alcohol), and exercise, especially vestibular exercises.
Once you determine the cause of your vertigo consider visiting a health practitioner such as a chiropractor, physical therapist, and/or acupuncturist.
If you’ve never suffered with a bout of vertigo, it can be very scary. Many of my patients report increased anxiety when they experience dizziness. If you experience double vision, weakness, severe headache, difficulty speaking, walking or staying awake you should report to the emergency room immediately.
Here’s wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day.
To Your Health!
Dr. Michael J. Kaye
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