Which Doctor To Consult For Vertigo?

Vertigo is a condition that affects many people worldwide. It is a condition that causes sudden dizziness and occurs as a result of an inner ear issue. Vertigo often makes the patient feel like their world is spinning. The sudden dizziness happens without warning; this increases the patient’s risk of sustaining an injury such as fractures. Vertigo can affect a person’s everyday life as it causes loss of balance. 

This condition can significantly impact patients with severe or frequent vertigo as they may find it difficult to perform everyday activities such as working or driving. Vertigo is a prevalent condition, affecting approximately 1 in 10 individuals worldwide during their lifetime. In India, it is estimated that around 0.71 percent of the population experiences vertigo, which translates to over nine million people. Treatment for vertigo usually depends upon the underlying causes. 

To improve the condition and everyday life, timely diagnosis and treatment of vertigo is important. One of the most essential questions regarding vertigo treatment is which doctor to consult for vertigo. 

In this blog, we will learn about vertigo, its treatments and which doctor to consult for it. So please, keep reading.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a condition characterized by a false sensation of spinning or dizziness. Unlike lightheadedness, which is a feeling of faintness, individuals with vertigo often feel like they are spinning and that their surroundings are in motion. It is important to note that vertigo is not a specific disease but is rather a symptom that various underlying health conditions can cause. It can occur alongside other symptoms and may indicate an issue with the inner ear or the vestibular system, responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.

Causes of Vertigo

The causes of vertigo may vary from one patient to another. Often vertigo is caused by a problem in the inner ear. However, some of the most common vertigo causes include the following, 

• Meniere’s disease
• BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)
• Migraine 
• Shingles in the ear or near the ears 
• Head and neck injuries 
• Arrhythmia
• Hyperventilation 
• Stroke 
• Otosclerosis
• Ataxia
• Vestibular neuritis
• Labyrinthitis
• Brain diseases
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Effect of certain medications

Symptoms of vertigo 

The symptoms of vertigo may occur when there is a sudden change in the position of the head. The following vertigo symptoms are commonly experienced by people, 

• Loss of balance
• Spinning 
• Being pulled in one direction 
• Trouble focusing the eyes 
• Ringing ears
• Dizziness

Some other vertigo symptoms that may also occur include, 

• Nausea and vomiting 
• Headache 
• Double vision
• Slurred speech 
• Limb weakness 
• Sweating 
• Trouble swallowing 
• Facial paralysis

When to see a doctor?

It is important to seek medical help and see your healthcare provider if you experience frequent or severe episodes of vertigo. Your healthcare provider will provide you with the right treatment by diagnosing the underlying cause of vertigo. 

Seek medical attention instantly if you experience the following symptoms along with vertigo as it indicates an emergency, 

• Sudden chronic headache 
• Chest pain 
• Weakness in an arm or leg 
• Fever 
• Heart palpitations 
• Changes in your vision 

Doctors Specializing in Vertigo

Vertigo can significantly impact a person’s daily life; in most cases, it is a symptom of any other condition. Upon experiencing severe and frequent episodes of vertigo it is essential to see doctors specializing in vertigo. These doctors specializing in vertigo help the patient by diagnosing the underlying cause of vertigo and providing appropriate treatment plans. 

The various doctors specializing in vertigo may include the following,

1. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist or Otolaryngologist: 

An Otolaryngologist or ENT specialist is a doctor who specializes in treating problems associated with the ears, nose, throat, and even the other related areas in the head and neck. An otolaryngologist conducts a physical examination to identify indications and symptoms related to the underlying cause of vertigo. During this examination, the specialist utilizes precise instruments to enhance visibility and thoroughly inspect the ear canal and eardrum.

2. Neurologist

A Neurologist is a type of doctor who specializes in disorders that occur in the nervous system. If you have vertigo, then it is essential to see a neurologist. This is because a doctor may be able to tell you the cause of vertigo. However, a neurologist will diagnose the root cause of vertigo using various diagnostic tests and tools. A neurologist will diagnose the causes of vertigo, such as multiple sclerosis, migraine, and stroke. 

3. Otologist 

An otologist or neurotologist is an exceptionally specialized medical professional in the field of otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat). They possess extensive expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions related to the ear. These specialized doctors are often capable of identifying the underlying cause of your issue by utilizing their advanced knowledge and skills.

Doctor Consultation Process for Vertigo at Ayu Health

To consult the nearest and the best doctor for your vertigo treatment, call Ayu Health at 6366-100-800 or visit us at www.ayu.health

Our medical officers will suggest the best doctor for you and help you to book your appointment. 

At the hospital, our Ayu Mitra will support you to make your experience hassle-free and also answer all your queries. 

Conclusion

Vertigo is a condition that can get triggered due to sudden head movement and make the patient feel like everything around is spinning. This condition can hamper daily life by making everyday activities difficult to perform. If you experience chronic and frequent episodes of vertigo, it is essential to show it to your primary doctor. Depending upon your individual condition, your primary doctor will help you determine which doctor specializing in vertigo to consult. A doctor specializing in vertigo will give you the right treatment plan for vertigo by diagnosing and treating the root cause of vertigo.

At Ayu Health Network of Hospitals, we have a team of exceptionally experienced, qualified, and skilled, doctors that work together closely to provide an accurate diagnosis for the underlying condition causing vertigo. These doctors work closely to formulate individualized treatment plans for vertigo to ensure improved quality of life for all our patients. To learn more about vertigo diagnosis and treatment, visit our website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Is vertigo an ENT or neurologist? 

Vertigo is a condition that can be treated by both an ENT specialist and a neurologist, depending on the underlying cause of vertigo. If you suspect vertigo, then you can consult your primary doctor, who will assist you and refer you to a doctor specializing in vertigo.  

2. Which type of doctor treats vertigo? 

The following doctors specialize in providing treatment for vertigo, 

• Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist or Otolaryngologist
• Neurologist
• Otologist

3. Is vertigo an ENT problem? 

Yes, vertigo can be considered an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) problem. Vertigo may be an indication of an underlying condition and is characterized by a sensation of dizziness or spinning and is often accompanied by loss of balance. While there are several causes of vertigo, in many cases, the disorders are related to the inner ear, which can be treated by an ENT specialist. 

4. Can a neurologist fix vertigo? 

Yes, a neurologist is a specialist that can treat vertigo by diagnosing the root cause of it. If vertigo is caused due to any neurological condition, then a neurologist can help in diagnosing and treating it. 

5. What type of neurologist treats vertigo? 

Neurologists who specialize in treating vertigo and related disorders are typically referred to as neurotologists or neurologists with a subspecialty in vestibular neurology. Neurotologists are ENT doctors (otolaryngologists) who have undergone additional training and specialization in neurology as it relates to disorders of the ear, including the vestibular system.

6. What tests does ENT do for vertigo?

The following tests may be done for vertigo diagnosis, 

• Blood tests
• Fukuda-Unterberger test 
• Caloric Testing
• Brainstem auditory evoked potential studies
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Electronystagmography
• Head impulse test
• Imaging tests such as MRI scans, CT scans

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