Vertigo: When the World Spins Around You
That terrifying spinning sensation isn't in your head—it's in your inner ear. We find the cause and provide effective treatment.
If you've experienced the world spinning uncontrollably, you know how debilitating it can be. Vertigo has specific identifiable causes, and most are highly treatable.
What is Tinnitus?
Vertigo is the illusion of rotational movement—the sensation that you or your environment is spinning. It results from asymmetry or dysfunction in the vestibular system, either peripheral (inner ear/vestibular nerve) or central (brainstem/cerebellum). Unlike dizziness or lightheadedness, vertigo specifically involves a spinning sensation and is almost always due to identifiable vestibular pathology. The key is determining whether the cause is peripheral (often treatable) or central (requiring more urgent attention).
Common Misconception
Vertigo is just dizziness and will go away on its own.
Medical Reality
Vertigo results from specific inner ear or neurological conditions: BPPV (loose crystals in inner ear), vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, vestibular migraine, or more serious central causes. Each has distinct treatment. BPPV can often be cured in minutes with repositioning maneuvers. Other conditions require specific management.
Common Accompanying Symptoms
- Intense spinning sensation
- Nausea and vomiting with vertigo
- Nystagmus (eye jerking)
- Balance problems during episodes
- Worsening with head movement
Your symptom pattern suggests vertigo. Book evaluation now for effective treatment.
Why Does Tinnitus Happen?
Vertigo requires investigation for these common underlying conditions.
How It Works
Vertigo occurs when there's asymmetry or dysfunction in the vestibular system: (1) BPPV—calcium carbonate crystals (otoconia) become displaced into semicircular canals, causing abnormal nerve signals with head position changes; (2) Vestibular neuritis—inflammation of the vestibular nerve from viral infection, causing acute severe vertigo; (3) Meniere's disease—endolymph buildup in the inner ear causing episodic vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus; (4) Vestibular migraine—neurological condition causing vertigo episodes with or without headache; (5) Central vertigo—brainstem or cerebellar lesions affecting vestibular processing.
Common Underlying Causes
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
40%Displaced otoconia in semicircular canals cause abnormal signals with position changes
Vestibular Migraine
25%Neurological condition causing episodic vertigo without headache
Vestibular Neuritis
15%Inflammation/infection of vestibular nerve causing acute vertigo
Meniere's Disease
10%Endolymphatic hydrops causing episodic vertigo with hearing changes
Other Central Causes
10%Brainstem or cerebellar lesions causing vertigo
Common Triggers
Environmental
Lifestyle
How We Identify the Cause
Proper diagnosis is essential—vertigo treatment depends entirely on the cause.
Our Diagnostic Philosophy
Vertigo is one of the most treatable symptoms in medicine—yet many patients suffer for years because they weren't diagnosed correctly. At Healers Clinic, we specialize in vertigo diagnosis and treatment. BPPV can often be cured in minutes with proper repositioning. Other conditions require targeted treatment. We use comprehensive vestibular testing to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Videonystagmography (VNG)
Assess vestibular function and characterize nystagmus
Caloric testing, positional testing, oculomotor function
Dix-Hallpike Test
Diagnose BPPV specifically
Characteristic nystagmus with head positioning
Hearing Testing
Assess for Meniere's disease
Audiometry, especially low-frequency loss
MRI Brain
Rule out central causes
Structural lesions, MS, stroke
Blood Work
Identify metabolic causes
Blood sugar, thyroid, autoimmune markers
Pathways to Relief
BPPV Repositioning
Epley, Semont, or Lempert maneuvers to reposition crystals
- Often curable in minutes
- Non-invasive
- Over 90% success rate
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Promote vestibular compensation
- Exercises to retrain balance system
- Reduces dizziness
- Improves stability
Medication Management
Acute symptom control and preventive treatment
- Anti-nausea medications
- Preventive migraine treatment
- Vestibular suppressants
Our Approach vs. Conventional Care
Conventional Approach
- Often prescribes antihistamines without diagnosis
- Does not address underlying cause
- Masking symptoms delays proper treatment
Our Integrative Approach
- Accurate diagnosis enables targeted treatment
- Many causes are curable
- Prevents progression
Expected Healing Timeline
Phase 1: Diagnosis
Week 1History, physical exam, and VNG testing to identify specific cause
Phase 2: Targeted Treatment
Weeks 1-4BPPV repositioning if applicable, medication if needed, rehabilitation for resolution
Phase 3: Stabilization
Weeks 4-12Continue rehabilitation, prevent recurrence, return to normal activities for full recovery
At-Home Management Tips
Rise slowly and avoid lying flat to reduce BPPV episodes
Lie still with eyes closed during episodes or focus on fixed point
Maintain good hydration to prevent orthostatic contributors
Allow vestibular system to recover and avoid strenuous activity
Common Questions Answered
Stop the Spinning
Vertigo is highly treatable. Our vestibular specialists can identify the cause and provide effective treatment—often providing immediate relief.
Book Your Vertigo Evaluation