Most of us have felt dizzy at one time or another. A temporary spell that quickly goes away is often benign. However, if you find yourself feeling dizzy or unsteady on a regular basis, it may be a sign of a medical condition.
Many cases of dizziness arise from problems within the inner ear. Let’s take a look at some of the more common causes as well as your treatment options.
Vertigo and Your Inner Ear
Vertigo is a form of dizziness that causes the feeling that either you or your environment is moving or spinning, despite the lack of any actual movement. It’s often the result of a problem with the inner ear or the brain. The condition is quite common, with research showing that dizziness including vertigo affects about 15% to over 20% of adults yearly.
There are two main kinds of vertigo. Peripheral vertigo is caused by problems in the inner ear, and central vertigo is caused by a problem in the brain such as injury or stroke.
There the most common type of peripheral vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). It is caused when calcium deposits in the inner ear become dislodged from the otolithic membrane and settle in the semicircular canals. Any movement in the head causes these calcium deposits to shift and cause dizziness.
BPPV is treated by a balance specialist who utilizes head maneuvers to relieve symptoms. It’s possible that vertigo symptoms may resolve on their own as well.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is an ear disorder that causes vertigo in addition to other symptoms like temporary hearing loss, tinnitus and pressure in the ear. Though the exact cause is unknown, it’s thought the disorder is linked to excess fluid buildup in the ear.
Though there is currently no cure, various treatments can help you manage your symptoms. This often includes medication and making dietary changes.
How to Know if Inner Ear Is Causing Dizziness?
There are many different causes of dizziness that don’t involve the inner, including low blood pressure, dehydration, certain medications and neurological issues.
If you find yourself dealing with frequent dizzy spells while at work or taking a walk through Rambleridge Park, make an appointment with your medical provider.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience dizziness accompanied by a high fever, blurred vision, chest pain, persistent headache or any numbness or weakness in your limbs, as these may be signs of an emergency.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Ear Specialists of Omaha & Bellevue today.