Vertigo, Dizziness & Balance

Since balance is almost exclusively related to your inner ear health, your point of contact to find a solution to arrest the potentially dangerous effects of dizziness and vertigo is your ears, nose and throat specialist. At the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, New York, your primary care physician may refer you to the in-house ENT doctor. You can also call directly for an appointment to find preventative and treatment options that work best for your specific situation. Everyone experiences balance issues differently and at Medex, you’re given individualized care and attention. Call today for an appointment.

As many as 15 percent of Americans experience a problem with balance every year. And dizziness is one of the most common reasons older Americans end up in an emergency room. Dizziness is a general word that may refer to being lightheaded, off balance or faint. Vertigo, on the other hand, means that you feel like you’re moving and spinning even when you’re not.

There are many possible causes for dizziness, vertigo and balance problems, and there are just as many solutions. Your ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Queens, NY figures out what’s affecting you. Best of all, Medex has the latest medical technology to fix your problem.

Maintaining Ear Health and Balance

Your ear health, combined with a generally healthy lifestyle, prevents dizziness and vertigo. Still, it’s possible to have these conditions even if you’re fully healthy. The best steps to take to prevent balance disorders are to:

• Maintain a healthy diet
• Avoid excessive sodium
• Avoid too much caffeine
• Quit or cut down on smoking
• Limit alcohol intake
• Keep regular appointments with your ENT doctor to make sure your inner ears are healthy.
• Eat regular meals, rather than waiting a long time between meals
• Clean your ears regularly and appropriately

Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo

Some dizziness and vertigo is caused by conditions other than ear problems. Your ENT specialist at Medex relies on a thorough exam and testing to rule out these other common conditions. These physical problems usually have other symptoms beside dizziness, which helps your doctor identify them. The other conditions that cause vertigo include:

• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Medications
• Allergies
• Neurological problems
• Heart arrhythmia
• Stroke

While vertigo can be caused by problems other than disorders of the inner ear, it’s more likely to be caused by ear problems. Typically, when you have vertigo, the system that controls you balance sends confusing signals to your brain, and most of your balance control system is housed in the inner ear. Common conditions like fluid in the ear or an inner ear infection throws off your balance.

The Ears and Vertigo

Your ENT professional at the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center is an expert on the different types of vertigo since the ears are almost always involved. The most common inner-ear issues that cause vertigo include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This condition happens when moving your head or body throws off your inner ear system.
• Labyrinthitis. This is an infection in the inner ear, often related to the flu. It can cause vertigo.
• Meniere’s disease. This cause of vertigo involves hearing loss, but it’s still not well understood.
• Vestibular neuronitis. This is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, causing vertigo.
• Perilymph fistula. This condition refers to a leakage into your inner ear that causes dizziness and vertigo.

Complications and Warning Signs

In most cases, the issues causing dizziness and vertigo aren’t dangerous by themselves. But they’re scary because they interfere with your ability to perform regular daily activities. Dizziness and vertigo affect aspects of your life in a number of ways, including:

• Working in any situation
• Operating machinery
• Remaining independent
• Staying mentally healthy
• Having the ability to be spontaneous
• Increasing anxiety
• Creating interpersonal problems

Consult your Medex ENT doctor at the first sign of dizziness or vertigo. You need an accurate diagnosis before any treatment can commence. Ensure your safety and deal with other symptoms that often occur in conjunction with dizziness and vertigo. These other symptoms include:

• Hearing loss
• Blurred vision
• Loss of consciousness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Tingling or numbness
• Fever
• New type of headache

Treatments for Balance Problems

Since so many situations and conditions cause balance problems, your Queens ENT specialist relies on a detailed medical history, as well as a variety of tests and treatments to find a solution for you. Antibiotics or other medications may be needed if you have an ear infection. Your doctor may perform a procedure to remove fluid in the ear, or you may be given a diuretic or steroid medication to decrease fluid build-up.

In rare cases, you have to be referred to a neurologist or undergo a surgical procedure to correct an ear disorder that doesn’t respond to medication. Most often, however, your ENT physician suggests exercises, medications and lifestyle adjustments to eliminate your dizziness and vertigo. These changes at least help you manage your symptoms effectively. Contact the Medex Diagnostic and Treatment Center before you surrender to a lifetime of dizzy spells.

We can help you find a doctor. Call (718) 275-8900

Licensed by the state of New York, Medex is an Article 28 diagnostic and treatment center. Our physicians provide comprehensive care for patients of all ages in the Forest Hills, Queens area, for over 15 years. Start receiving expert care now by calling or scheduling an appointment online with one of the skilled specialists.