Wellness Tips from Josef Schenker, MD
Welcome to our Wellness Tips blog series! Led by Dr. Josef Schenker, Medical Director at Centers Urgent Care, this series delivers approachable advice to help you tackle health challenges and build better habits. From simple daily habits to proactive wellness strategies, these tips make caring for yourself easier and more effective.
Vertigo Treatment
In the United States, 70.7% of adults experience moderate to severe balance or dizziness problems. While dizziness is a common experience, vertigo is much more than a passing moment of lightheadedness. Despite its prevalence, many people are unsure how to treat it or when to seek medical advice.
Dealing with vertigo can be frustrating, but understanding what’s happening and how to treat it can make a world of difference. In this article, Josef Schenker, MD will walk you through what vertigo is, its causes, and the best treatment options to help you find relief and regain your balance.
Dr. Josef Schenker Explains Vertigo Symptoms and Causes
So, what exactly is vertigo? It’s often described as a sensation that either you or your surroundings are moving or spinning when, in fact, everything is still. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that differs from general dizziness in that it creates a false sense of motion, even when you’re standing still. Imagine sitting in a chair and suddenly feeling like you’re tipping over, even though you haven’t moved an inch. This unsettling feeling can last for seconds, minutes, or in some cases, much longer.
According to Josef Schenker, MD vertigo typically comes with several symptoms, some of which can be alarming. The most common symptoms include:
- A spinning sensation
- Loss of balance or difficulty standing or walking
- Nausea or vomiting, often due to the sensation of movement
- Headaches, which may occur alongside the vertigo episodes
- Sweating, especially during more intense attacks
- Tinnitus (a ringing in the ears)
- Abnormal eye movements, known as nystagmus, which can occur in some cases
These symptoms can be mild for some people, but for others, vertigo can be debilitating, making everyday activities difficult. Understanding what causes vertigo is the first step in finding effective treatment.
Causes of Vertigo
Vertigo isn’t a condition on its own but a symptom of an underlying issue. Josef Schenker explains that several causes can trigger vertigo, each with different treatment needs:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This is the most common cause of vertigo and occurs when tiny calcium particles in the inner ear become dislodged and move into the ear canals, disrupting your sense of balance. BPPV is often triggered by changes in head position, such as turning over in bed or looking up quickly.
- Meniere’s Disease: This is a disorder of the inner ear caused by a buildup of fluid and changes in ear pressure. Along with vertigo, Meniere’s disease often causes tinnitus and hearing loss. It tends to come in episodes, lasting from 20 minutes to several hours.
- Vestibular Neuritis: This is an inner ear condition usually caused by a viral infection. It inflames the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for sending balance signals from the inner ear to the brain. Vestibular neuritis often causes sudden, intense vertigo that can last for days.
- Migraines: Vestibular migraines are a type of migraine that can trigger vertigo, even without the traditional headache. This type of vertigo often lasts for hours and can be associated with sensitivity to light and sound.
- Labyrinthitis: Similar to vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis occurs when both the vestibular nerve and the inner ear become inflamed, usually due to a viral infection. Along with vertigo, this condition can cause hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
- Head Injury: Trauma to the head, especially injuries that affect the inner ear or brain, can lead to vertigo. This type of vertigo may develop immediately after the injury or weeks later.
- Stroke: In rare cases, vertigo can be a symptom of a stroke, particularly if it occurs alongside other warning signs like sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of vision.
Josef Schenker, MD, Explains Different Vertigo Treatment
While some cases of vertigo resolve on their own, others require medical intervention. Josef Schenker emphasizes that it’s essential to consult a doctor if you’re experiencing persistent or severe vertigo, especially if it’s linked to an underlying health condition. Below are the most common treatments available for vertigo:
Epley Maneuver: This is a series of head movements designed to reposition the tiny calcium particles (canaliths) in the inner ear that cause BPPV. Performed under the guidance of a healthcare professional, this maneuver can provide significant relief from vertigo in just one or two sessions.
Medications: In cases where vertigo is linked to vestibular neuritis or migraines, doctors may prescribe medications to manage symptoms. Anti-nausea drugs, such as meclizine, can help with dizziness, while steroids may reduce inflammation in the inner ear. Migraine medications can help prevent future vestibular migraines.
Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): For chronic vertigo, especially cases linked to Meniere’s disease or vestibular neuritis, vestibular rehabilitation can help. This form of physical therapy includes exercises that strengthen your balance system and train your brain to adapt to the vertigo triggers.
Diuretics: For Meniere’s disease, doctors may prescribe diuretics to reduce fluid buildup in the inner ear, which helps minimize the severity of vertigo episodes.
Surgery: In rare cases where vertigo is caused by severe conditions like tumors or significant inner ear damage, surgery may be necessary to correct the issue. Surgical options vary depending on the cause but are typically reserved for those who don’t respond to other treatments.
Josef Schenker, MD, Answers Frequently Asked Questions:
Vertigo attacks can be triggered by sudden head movements, inner ear infections, Meniere’s disease, migraines, or changes in body position. Anxiety, dehydration, or vestibular disorders can also lead to vertigo, causing dizziness and loss of balance during an episode.
For immediate relief from vertigo, lie down in a safe, quiet place and avoid sudden movements. Keep your eyes open and focus on a stationary object. Staying hydrated and breathing slowly can help. Seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen.
Vertigo episodes can last anywhere from a few seconds to several hours. In more chronic conditions, vertigo may persist for days or even weeks, especially in cases related to inner ear disorders or conditions like vestibular migraines.
Yes, stress can trigger vertigo. Stress and anxiety disrupt the body’s equilibrium, leading to dizziness or unsteadiness. These emotional stressors impact the nervous system, which can worsen vertigo symptoms. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques like deep breathing helps manage and lessen vertigo episodes.
Discover Effective Vertigo Treatment
Getting to the bottom of your vertigo is key to finding relief. Persistent vertigo, in particular, shouldn’t be ignored. Understanding what triggers your symptoms and knowing the available treatments can make a significant difference in managing your condition. It’s always best to consult a doctor or visit urgent care, especially if your symptoms don’t improve on their own or seem to be getting worse.
Under the guidance of Dr. Josef Schenker, Centers Urgent Care offers expert vertigo treatment across several locations in New York.
Whether you’re dealing with vertigo for the first time or need ongoing care, don’t wait. Seek relief now and get back to feeling steady on your feet!
About Josef Schenker, MD:
Dr. Josef Schenker, a board-certified expert in internal medicine and emergency medical services, brings extensive experience and compassion to his role as Medical Director and Partner at Centers Urgent Care. With leadership in SeniorCare Emergency Medical Services and as an Attending Physician at New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital, Dr. Schenker oversees critical care and treatment protocols across varied medical needs. His dedication extends to chairing NYC REMAC, ensuring adherence to state standards in emergency medical procedures. At Centers Urgent Care, Dr. Schenker's expertise ensures prompt, high-quality emergency care for patients of all ages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities including a dedicated pediatric suite.