What Is Vertigo?

Have you ever experienced lightheadedness or dizziness that resulted in loss of balance or spinning surroundings? What you are encountering is called vertigo. Vertigo is caused by an abrupt drop in blood pressure or dehydration. This can happen, for example, when standing too quickly after lying for a long period. Although being lightheaded or dizzy can go away in a matter of minutes, it could be a sign of problems in the brain, ear damage, or a head or neck injury. Advanced symptoms include vomiting, excessive sweating, ringing in the ears, or nausea.

Treatment for Vertigo

The treatment for Vertigo will vary based on the initial cause. The most common treatments performed include canalith repositioning, which could include the Epley or Semont maneuver depending on your case, or Vestibular rehabilitation. Canalith repositioning is preferred for those with the root cause in the ear. Repositioning requires specific tilting and movements to loosen the canalith within the ear. Vestibular rehabilitation is performed to relieve the symptoms if they stem from the eye or head. This also requires several movements to desensitize the nerves. If either of these treatments is not performed by a professional, it could be counterproductive and cause the Vertigo to get worse.

How is Vertigo Treatment Done?

Our doctors at AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies will first conduct a physical exam and evaluate your medical history to find where your particular Vertigo originates. The canalith repositioning procedure (CRP) can help relieve common vertigo, such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). During the treatment, your head is moved in five consecutive positions, which progressively moves the canalith out of the posterior semi-circular canal and back into the utricle, providing improved balance. In most cases, symptoms are relieved after just one treatment. However, a low percentage of patients require a second CRP treatment.

What Patients Are Saying

I recently had to find a new ENT after my employer changed my insurance. I have a complicated health history so it can be daunting to find a new provider that you trust. I was very pleased with Dr. Picerno – she was kind, patient and very thorough! I’m so happy to have found her! I also met with Amelia, an audiologist, and she was also awesome!

Always able to get an appointment, front desk friendly and efficient. Shout out to Kyle an assistant to Dr. Cutler. He was caring and easy to talk too. Dr. Cutler is a very skilled surgeon with impressive credentials. He was reassuring with my sinus issues and monitoring my progress since my surgery in May. Dr. Cutler is realistic about my condition but helps me stay on a manageable program for my sinus condition. Many good reasons to continue my care at AOO!

Dr. Swartz is awesome! Probably the best doctor I’ve seen. He’s just down to earth, super easy to talk to, and answers all your questions. And he actually listens to what you have to say. It’s a great experience!

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Vertigo Recovery

After CRP, it’s important to be careful since you may still feel dizzy for a few days following the procedure.

Important: please avoid any extreme head movements for the remainder of the procedure day. Avoid tilting your head in different positions, or bending over, and sleep with your head propped at a 45-degree angle. You may return to your normal activities the next day. If your symptoms are still present one week after treatment, we recommend a second CRP treatment.

Vertigo Treatment in Denver, Lone Tree and Castle Rock

If you are experiencing dizziness, loss of balance, or other signs of vertigo, you may benefit from visiting our doctors at AOO | ENT Specialists of the Rockies to avoid further damage. Contact our Lone Tree, Castle Rock or Denver, Colorado offices today to schedule your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for vertigo to settle?

Vertigo episodes can last for as little as a few seconds or can take days to settle. If you have persisting vertigo symptoms, please contact our office to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist.

How do you make vertigo go away?

If you have a vertigo attack, sit down slowly and stay still until the symptoms improve. For persisting symptoms, try taking antihistamines or consult your doctor for an antibiotic if the vertigo is attributed to an ear infection. These are fine, apart from stating under “how to make vertigo go away,” we add a sentence that for severe vertigo, or if there are any neurological symptom ms (including, but not limited to: slurred speech, facial droop, numbness or weakness of an extremity) that you need to go to the ER to rule-out a stroke.

What are the 3 types of vertigo?

Peripheral vertigo is caused by an inner ear problem and symptoms often include dizziness and balance problems. Central vertigo is caused by a problem in the brain and this type often causes vision problems, slurred speech, and facial paralysis. The sensation that the room is spinning is associated with both types of vertigo. Benign paroxysmal vertigo (BPPV) can include all of these symptoms and is often caused by problems in the inner ear. BPPV is often triggered by sudden head movements.

Should you sit up or lay down with vertigo?

Many people can alleviate their vertigo symptoms by laying on their backs with their heads slightly elevated. Sitting up while keeping your head still can also relieve symptoms.

What triggers vertigo attacks?

Vertigo is often caused by ear infections, Menieres disease, or a condition called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV causes certain head movements to trigger vertigo. Vertigo can also be triggered by sudden movements such as bending over or standing up too quickly. Migraines and stress are also linked to vertigo attacks.

Can vertigo affect your eyes?

Double vision or blurred vision can occur during a vertigo attack, especially when you have central vertigo or BPPV.

Is vertigo permanent?

People who have had a head or neck injury may experience permanent vertigo or chronic symptoms that persist for years. Medications such as anti-nausea medication or antihistamines along with physical therapy can improve chronic vertigo symptoms.

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