Dizziness
Dizziness is a general term used to describe any feeling of instability and is the #1 complaint of all people over the age of 65 and third most common amongst other ages.
DIZZINESS - SYMPTOMS
Patients who experience dizziness report a variety of symptoms depending on the exact nature of their balance disorder. These include:
Lightheadedness
Fainting
Unsteadiness
Weakness
Vertigo
Confusion
Disorientation
Blurred Vision
DIZZINESS - CAUSES
Dizziness is the result of your brain receiving false signals from the balance system. As a result, it senses movement and overcompensates, leading to a spinning sensation, weakness, and faintness. There are many possible causes, including:
Low Blood Pressure
Anemia
Dehydration
Heart-related Disorders
Endocrine System Disorders
Neurological Disorders
Medications
Viral & Bacterial Infections
Head Trauma
Disorders Commonly Associated with Dizziness
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
BPPV involves brief but intense periods of vertigo that are triggered by specific changes in head position. It occurs when tiny crystals in the otolith organs become dislodged and migrate to the semicircular canals.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is a chronic condition that causes vertigo, tinnitus, fullness in the ear and fluctuating hearing loss that may eventually become permanent. Meniere’s is usually confined to one ear and though its cause is unknown it may be the result of abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear.
Migraines
The manifestations of migraine-associated vertigo are quite varied and may include true vertigo, positional vertigo, constant imbalance, movement-associated disequilibrium, and/or lightheadedness. Symptoms can occur before the onset of headache, during a headache, or, as is most common, during a headache-free interval.
DIZZINESS - TREATMENTS
Treatment for dizziness takes many forms. Depending on the cause, your doctor will target the underlying condition in order to reduce or eliminate the symptoms.
Options include repositioning exercises, physical or occupational therapy, vestibular retraining programs, lifestyle & dietary modifications, medications (antihistamines, sedatives, antibiotics, steroids) and surgery.
Call Complete Hearing at 402.489.4418 for more information.
