Understanding Vertigo and Its Causes
Vertigo is a sensation of spinning dizziness that can be debilitating. Determining the underlying cause of vertigo can help guide treatment options. Doctors have several tests at their disposal to diagnose vertigo and identify potential treatments.
Diagnostic Testing for Vertigo
If you are experiencing vertigo, your doctor will likely start with a medical history and physical exam. They will ask about your symptoms and look for signs of issues with your ears, nerves or brain.
From there, your doctor may utilize specialized tests designed to evaluate vertigo, including:
- The Dix-Hallpike maneuver which looks for issues with crystals in the inner ear.
- The head impulse test checking your vestibulo-ocular reflex.
- The Romberg test assessing balance.
- The Fukuda-Unterberger stepping test analyzing movement and balance.
Interpreting Test Results
Based on results from this battery of exams and your medical history, your doctor can determine if you have vertigo versus general dizziness. They can also pinpoint underlying medical conditions like benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Meniere’s disease or vestibular migraines.
Understanding the root cause will allow your doctor to provide specific treatment recommendations to help resolve vertigo episodes.
I tried to focus the article on the key elements from your reference while working in relevant keywords. Please let me know if you would like me to expand on any section or add additional details. I can continue building out the article to any length you need.FAQs
What is vertigo?
Vertigo is more than just feeling dizzy. It is a specific sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving. It can cause nausea and make it difficult to walk or stand.
What causes vertigo?
There are several potential causes of vertigo including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, Ménière’s disease, migraine headaches, and issues with vision or the heart.
How is vertigo diagnosed?
Doctors use medical history, physical exams, and specialized tests to determine if vertigo is present and uncover the underlying cause. Common vertigo tests check balance, movement, and the vestibular system.
What is the Dix-Hallpike test?
The Dix-Hallpike test is one of the main vertigo diagnostic tests. It checks for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) caused by problems with inner ear crystals. The doctor will move your head into various positions to check for vertigo symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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