What is PPPD and how is it treated? 15 Feb 2023, 2:26 pm

Formerly known as Chronic Subjective Dizziness, PPPD (persistent postural-perceptual dizziness) is a chronic vestibular disorder that can be successfully treated.

A consensus among vestibular experts lead to this definition of PPPD

• One or more symptoms of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo are present on most days for 3 months or more.
• Symptoms last for prolonged (hours long) periods of time, but may wax and wane in severity.
• Symptoms need not be present continuously throughout the entire day.
• Persistent symptoms occur without specific provocation, but are exacerbated by three factors:
  • Upright posture
  • Active or passive motion without regard to direction or position
  • Exposure to moving visual stimuli or complex visual patterns.
• The disorder is precipitated by conditions that cause vertigo, unsteadiness, dizziness, or problems with balance including acute, episodic, or chronic vestibular syndromes, other neurologic or medical illnesses, or psychological distress.
• Symptoms cause significant distress or functional impairment.
• Symptoms are not better accounted for by another disease or disorder.
• Source: Staab et al 2017

By the time a person has developed PPPD, the initial triggering condition may have resolved, but the brain is still stimulated into a dizzy message signal by movement of their body or that of the world around them. We will commonly hear these folks say, “I hate going to the grocery store. It’s so overwhelming with all the people and products.” Or they might note that complex patterns are very bothersome, or wide open spaces. Driving in traffic or doing computer work may increase their symptoms.

Research supports using customized, vestibular therapy to treat these symptoms. It’s done in a graded approach, starting with gently stimulating activities, and gradually increasing in complexity as the person’s tolerance improves.

Our providers often guide patients through gradual return to real-life situations as well, such as assigning them to walk around a quiet store for a few minutes and sit and rest and perform grounding techniques if symptoms increase. Gradually, they are able to tolerate longer durations in busier stores.

Sometimes medication is helpful as well. SSRIs and SNRIs may be prescribed to further support recovery, as research shows this also can improve symptoms for those with PPPD.

Sources:
1. Staab JP, Eckhardt-Henn A, Horii A, Jacob R, Strupp M, Brandt T, Bronstein A. Diagnostic criteria for persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (PPPD): Consensus document of the committee for the Classification of Vestibular Disorders of the Bárány Society. J Vestib Res. 2017;27(4):191-208. doi: 10.3233/VES-170622. PMID: 29036855; PMCID: PMC9249299.
2. https://dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/psych/pppd.html
3. https://www.neuropt.org/docs/default-source/vsig-english-pt-fact-sheets/persistent-postural-perceptual-dizzinessf4a035a5390366a68a96ff00001fc240.pdf?sfvrsn=28a35343_0

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Are you concerned that you might be experiencing concussion symptoms after a car accident? We’re here to help. Consult our concussion clinic for a free evaluation, and let us help you get back on the road where you belong.

Contact National Dizzy and Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to concussion management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

The post What is PPPD and how is it treated? appeared first on National Dizzy & Balance Center.

Tips for better sleep when recovering from a concussion 12 Oct 2022, 3:09 pm

We all know good sleep is essential to good health, and it’s even more critical for people who are recovering from vestibular migraines, concussions and other causes of dizziness and imbalance. But sometimes consistent sleep quality can be elusive and frustrating. Fortunately, there are some tips that can help when it comes to getting good sleep.

8 tips for better sleep when recovering from a concussion or vestibular migraine

1.Designate the bed for sleep and intimacy only – Avoid scrolling on your phone, watching TV or doing any kind of work in bed, so your brain associates bed with time for rest and sleep, not being alert and awake.

2. Create a sleep-inducing environment in your bedroom – Blackout curtains, white noise and a cool temperature can make the room more conducive to falling asleep and staying asleep. Soothing scents like lavender essential oil can also be helpful.

3. Consistent bedtime and wake time – Getting your body on a regular schedule can make a big difference in training the brain to fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply. Another key factor is your wind-down routine. Avoid vigorous exercise, bright lights and screen time at least an hour before bed. Instead, opt for a calming yoga or stretch routine, meditation, reading from a book, or listening to music, a podcast, or audiobook to help your brain enter sleep mode more readily.

4. Minimal to no naps – A twenty minute power nap can be a great battery recharger, but anything beyond that is likely to interfere with your night time sleep schedule. If you need to doze for a bit, set an alarm to keep the nap short and sweet.

5. Move – Regular exercise helps reduce stress and promotes better sleep. If you are sedentary, try starting with a few minutes of standing and walking around your house each hour you are awake. If you are able to safely take a walk in your neighborhood, start with a short one, and work up to 20-30 minutes.

6. Supplements – Magnesium and melatonin are commonly used to aid in sleep, but even though you can get these over-the-counter, talk to your pharmacist or primary doctor to discuss safety and dosage.

7. Hydration – hydrate early in the day, and taper off toward bedtime. This will reduce getting up to use the bathroom at night, which can break up quality sleep and make it hard to fall asleep after. Avoid caffeine after lunchtime and alcohol several hours before bed.

8. Talk to your doctor – If the above things aren’t helping, a sleep study or medication maybe be helpful.

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Are you concerned that you might be experiencing concussion symptoms after a car accident? We’re here to help. Consult our concussion clinic for a free evaluation, and let us help you get back on the road where you belong.

Contact National Dizzy and Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to concussion management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

The post Tips for better sleep when recovering from a concussion appeared first on National Dizzy & Balance Center.

Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident 29 Apr 2022, 1:00 pm

After a car accident, you want to make sure you’re taking care of everything you need to in order to heal and get back on the road. But what if you suffered a concussion as a result of the accident? Learn how to spot concussion symptoms after a car accident, and what you can do to recover from a potential injury.

Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident

Did you know that motor vehicle crashes are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injury (TBI) hospitalizations and deaths? Sometimes it’s easy to spot an injury after a car accident, but many injuries aren’t obvious if you don’t know what you’re looking for. How can you spot concussion symptoms after a car accident?

What Kinds of Car Accidents Give People Concussions?

You’ve probably heard that a concussion is caused by a blow to the head, which can injure the brain as a result. However, the science of concussions is a little more complicated than that. A concussion is a type of TBI that occurs when your brain is suddenly and traumatically moved inside of your skull, which causes your neurons to be stretched and damaged as a result. Getting hit in the head can cause a concussion, but an impact does not necessarily need to occur.

Once you understand how concussions work, it’s easy to see how a car accident could give you one. While a car accident will usually stop your car from moving, your body will continue to move forward at the same speed your car was going until it encounters an obstacle. Hopefully, that obstacle will be safety equipment, like a seatbelt or an airbag. But either way, this can lead to your head either striking an object or being moved violently as it comes to a sudden stop. As a result, your brain may hit the walls of your skull, causing a concussion.

The truth is that every car accident can potentially lead to a concussion. The type and severity of the injury depend on several factors, including how your car is impacted and at what speed.

Do I Have a Car Accident-Related Concussion?

Unfortunately, concussions are just one of many injuries you can suffer as a result of a car crash. If you have a concussion, or suspect you have one, it is vital to seek medical attention right away. If you experience any of these concussion symptoms after a car accident, be sure to discuss them with a medical professional:

• Repeated headaches, dizziness, and nausea
• New light or noise sensitivities
• Drowsiness or drastic changes in sleeping patterns
• Slurred speech
• Unusual pupil dilation
• Difficulty concentrating or “brain fog”
• Difficulty remembering things or retaining new information
• Irritability, anxiety, or depression

It’s also important to remember that concussion symptoms don’t always show up right away. Even if your car accident was a few days or weeks ago, you could still be experiencing a concussion. Most concussions resolve themselves in a few weeks, but some can cause issues that linger for months. The best way to make sure you recover is to schedule an evaluation with a medical professional and follow their expert advice.

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Are you concerned that you might be experiencing concussion symptoms after a car accident? We’re here to help. Consult our concussion clinic for a free evaluation, and let us help you get back on the road where you belong.

Contact National Dizzy and Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to concussion management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

The post Concussion Symptoms After a Car Accident appeared first on National Dizzy & Balance Center.

What Is a Concussion? 21 Apr 2022, 6:26 pm

Think back to old episodes of Looney Tunes. Wile E. Coyote certainly saw more than his fair share of falling anvils – and usually got right back up again, albeit with stars in his eyes. Cartoon coyotes might be able to shake off head trauma, but Wile may have had a bit more trouble recovering in real life. And while anvils don’t typically fall from the sky, head injuries like concussions are very common, impacting as many as one in four Americans. But what is a concussion?

What Is a Concussion?

What Is a Concussion?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describe a concussion as “a type of traumatic brain injury – or TBI – caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.” The CDC continues: “This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.” It might be hard to imagine an event that could have such an extreme impact on the brain. However, concussions are very common. Everyday causes of concussions include falls, contact sports, and car or bike accidents.

Concussion Symptoms

As outlined in the CDC description above, concussions can actually stretch and damage your brain cells. With that in mind, you might think concussions would be easy to self-diagnose. That’s rarely the case, especially with children. In some cases, concussion sufferers may just not feel “quite right.” For that reason, proper concussion diagnostics are crucial. The CDC divides concussion symptoms into “observed” and “reported” categories, which aids in diagnostics.

Observed concussion symptoms include the following:

• Appearing dazed or stunned
• Memory loss prior to or after the events that caused the concussion (a fall, for example)
• Clumsy movement
• Losing consciousness, even briefly
• Unusual mood, behavior, or personality changes

Reported concussion symptoms include the following:

• Headache or “pressure” in the head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Vision problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Confusion
• Problems with memory or concentration

Diagnosing a Traumatic Brain Injury

Individuals with any of the symptoms listed above should see a doctor immediately. However, it is important to keep in mind that concussion symptoms may not appear until after the injury – sometimes hours or days later. At that point, a proper diagnosis is crucial. An initial concussion consultation with a doctor will involve the following:

• A cursory evaluation of concussion signs and symptoms
• A review of the patient’s medical history
• Neurological and cognitive testing
• Brain imaging (this is usually in the case of severe symptoms like seizures or repeated vomiting)

Treatment and Vestibular Therapy

In many cases, doctors will prescribe a period of rest to treat mild concussions. During that rest period, doctors may recommend avoiding physical activity, intense mental strain, and socialization. Your doctor may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen in case of ongoing headaches. However, in some cases, concussion patients may require ongoing support. That can range from physical therapy to vestibular rehabilitation depending on the severity of the concussion.

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Concussions are common, but they can have a severe impact on a patient’s quality of life if left untreated. Fortunately, professionals like those at National Dizzy & Balance Center are well-versed in treating vestibular disorders like concussions.

Worried you might have a concussion? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate your issue and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Vestibular Migraine Symptoms 22 Mar 2022, 4:02 pm

According to the American Migraine Foundation, more than 36 million Americans suffer from migraines. That makes migraines one of the most common chronic medical conditions facing Americans today. Although this condition is incredibly common, the general understanding of migraines remains limited. For example, while many people might assume that a migraine involves a severe headache, there’s another type of migraine that doesn’t involve a headache at all. This is known as a vestibular migraine, and it typically involves dizziness, vertigo, or nausea. Read on to find out more about vestibular migraine symptoms and treatment options.

Vestibular Migraine Symptoms

What Is a Vestibular Migraine?

When you think of a migraine, you might picture a splitting headache that causes secondary symptoms like light sensitivity or blurry vision. In reality, a migraine is more than just a headache. When a migraine strikes, it means that your brain is hyper-stimulated, or more sensitive to outside stimuli. Of course, this often results in a headache – but sometimes, it may not. In these headache-free cases, vestibular migraines could be to blame. Vestibular migraines are a type of migraine caused by your vestibular system, which is the system of nerves and organs that help your body maintain balance. When something throws this system out of balance, you may experience vestibular migraine symptoms including frustrating dizziness and vertigo.

What Causes Vestibular Migraines?

Doctors still aren’t entirely sure what causes vestibular migraines. Currently, experts believe that these migraines are caused by misfiring brain neurons related to the vestibular system. Vestibular migraines are also frequently linked to other conditions; for example, individuals with a history of standard migraine headaches may be prone to vestibular migraines. These migraines can also occur among individuals with chronic motion sickness.

Vestibular Migraine Symptoms

Do you regularly experience vertigo and dizziness with a seemingly unknown cause? You may be suffering from vestibular migraines. The following symptoms are common in people with vestibular migraines:

• Dizziness, nausea, and vertigo without accompanying headache
• Balance and coordination difficulties
• A feeling of swaying, even when you’re not moving
• Unexplained vomiting and nausea
• Sensitivity to light and sound

Do these symptoms sound familiar to you? If so, make sure to reach out to a vestibular system expert. Although the cause of vestibular migraines is still not fully understood, you have several treatment options.

Treating Vestibular Migraines

Despite the relative mystery that still surrounds vestibular migraines, doctors have identified several treatments to improve patients’ symptoms. First, your doctor may recommend mild lifestyle changes. For example, if loud environments or flashing lights tend to trigger your dizzy spells, your doctor may recommend avoiding these environments for a trial period. Your doctor may also work with you to identify other triggers – different kinds of foods or alcohol, for example. Finally, recent research has identified a special type of physical therapy known as vestibular therapy. This promising treatment has been shown to improve balance and dizziness associated with vestibular migraines. All of these treatment options will work in tandem to improve your quality of life and reduce your overall balance and dizziness issues.

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Are you struggling with mysterious dizziness or balance issues? Do you also experience migraine headaches or motion sickness? If so, you may have vestibular migraines. While the medical community is still exploring the cause of these migraines, there are several treatment options available to help ease your symptoms.

Looking for help with dizziness and balance issues, including vestibular migraine symptoms? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating migraine issues, including vestibular migraines, head pain, and ongoing dizziness. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

The post Vestibular Migraine Symptoms appeared first on National Dizzy & Balance Center.

Signs of Hearing Loss 14 Mar 2022, 12:11 pm

Have you noticed the volume of your television set creeping up as you get older? Some changes in hearing are normal, but some changes can indicate a larger problem. Learn the signs of hearing loss so you can get the help you need.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Did you know that most people over the age of 65 have some kind of hearing loss? It can feel embarrassing to talk about changes in hearing, especially for those of us who are entering our golden years. However, you should know that hearing loss is extremely common, and that there’s lots of help out there if you know how to access it. Knowing the causes and signs of hearing loss is the best way to make sure you get the help you need, when you need it the most.

Causes of Hearing Loss

How do you know if you’re experiencing medically significant hearing loss? If you aren’t sure, it can be helpful to think about where hearing loss comes from. There are three common causes of hearing loss:

• Aging. This is one of the most common causes of hearing loss. Known in the medical community as presbycusis, this gradual decline in hearing is one of many natural changes the body experiences as it ages.
• Damage to the ear. This occurs when the inner or outer ear is injured due to trauma, disease, or chronic noise exposure.
• Genetics. While the other two conditions listed are more common for older individuals, there is an undeniable genetic component to hearing loss in children and younger people.

Sometimes hearing loss is straightforwardly caused by one of these three conditions. Other times, it’s a mix of the two. For example, someone who worked a job that continually exposed them to loud noises as a younger adult might have additional struggles once they begin to experience presbycusis.

How Do I Know If I Have Hearing Loss?

If the causes above sound familiar, you might be wondering if a visit to a doctor is in your future. While it’s never a bad idea to be proactive about your health, you probably don’t have too much to worry about unless your hearing abilities are beginning to impact your day-to-day life. If you’re worried, keep an eye out for these signs of hearing loss:

• Social withdrawal. Everyone goes through periods where they prefer their own company. However, if you’ve been avoiding your favorite restaurant or phone calls with a friend due to hearing difficulties, that’s a sign of a larger issue.
• Difficulty understanding words. Hearing loss can manifest in different ways, depending on the cause. For some people, it makes certain sounds harder to hear than others, especially if there is background noise.
• Louder volumes on TV and the radio. This may sound self-explanatory, but it’s easy not to notice this issue if it is a gradual one. Keep an eye on your volume settings, and if they start going up, that’s a hint that you may have a problem.
• Frequently needing things repeated. Are conversations sometimes hard to follow because you miss words or phrases? Are you constantly asking people to repeat themselves? If so, hearing loss could be the culprit.

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If you think any of the signs of hearing loss above sound familiar, make an appointment with a medical professional today. Reaching out is the first step to getting the help you need!

Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate your issue and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

The post Signs of Hearing Loss appeared first on National Dizzy & Balance Center.

Do Your Ears Help You Balance? 1 Mar 2022, 7:15 pm

When you think about what your ears do to help you out, you probably think about listening to music or enjoying a phone call with a friend. However, your ears have a bigger and more complicated job in your body than you might realize. How do your ears help you balance?

Do Your Ears Help You Balance?

If you’ve ever experienced chronic dizziness, you know it’s a difficult condition to treat. One of the things that specialists recommend for those struggling with their balance is vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), a treatment that helps repair the vestibular system in the inner ear. But why would dizziness be a condition you treat via the inner ear? How do your ears help you balance?

Understanding Your Vestibular System

When you think of your ears, you probably think of the ears you see when you look in the mirror. It’s important to remember that you have an inner ear as well. While the outside of your ear is shaped to help you hear sounds, your inner ear has a few other functions. One of those functions is managing your vestibular system, or the tiny organs inside of your inner ear that maintain your sense of balance.

How does the vestibular system work? Your inner ear contains loop-shaped channels that are filled with fluids and fine hair. These canals help your head understand where your body is in space, depending on where the fluid sits in the channels. This gives your brain the information it needs to correct your body’s balance when necessary. When this system is affected by an outside condition, it can make you feel like you’re off-balance, even when everything is fine. This is why dizziness and other conditions can be so disorienting.

What Happens When the Vestibular System Doesn’t Work Correctly?

Sometimes the vestibular system can be temporarily affected by illness, such as a sinus infection that causes inflammation in the ear canal. This kind of dizziness is common and typically goes away once the illness subsides.

However, there are conditions and events that can cause a more serious problem with the vestibular system:

• Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions
• Repeated and prolonged infections and illnesses
• Calcium deposit build-ups in the inner ear
• Circulation issues in the inner ear
• Medication side effects

Some of these conditions are easy to spot. However, others are trickier. That’s why knowing the symptoms of inner ear issues can be a lifesaver:

• Dizziness and vertigo
• Feeling like you’re moving when you’re holding still
• Frequent falling or stumbling
• Disorientation
• Nausea and stomach issues
• Anxiety and fear

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above and cannot find another explanation, you may be experiencing an inner ear issue. So, what can you do about it?

How Can I Fix My Inner Ear Problem?

Inner ear problems are more common than you might think. However, it can sometimes be difficult to find medical professionals that know how to treat them. If you suspect you might have an inner ear problem, your best option is to reach out to a professional that specializes in dizziness and balance issues. They’ll be able to test you for various conditions and help you identify the problem.

Once you know what’s causing your inner ear issues, there are lots of things you can do to fix them. Lifestyle changes, vestibular therapy, and other medical interventions are often very effective. A diagnosis is the first step to fixing the problem once and for all.

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Do your ears help you balance? Believe it or not, they really do have a significant role in keeping you on your feet. And if they’re not doing the job, there’s help waiting for you at the National Dizzy and Balance Center.

Looking for help with dizziness and balance issues? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating migraine issues, including vestibular migraines, head pain, and ongoing dizziness. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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How Long Does Mal de Debarquement Last? 24 Feb 2022, 2:55 pm

Do you know what “mal de debarquement” means? It’s a French phrase that translates to “the sickness of disembarking,” and it’s a common ailment for those that work at sea or enjoy traveling by sea. However, if you’re having issues with your vestibular system, this uncomfortable sensation can occur even when you’re landlocked. How long does mal de debarquement last?

How Long Does Mal de Debarquement Last?

Have you ever heard someone talk about “getting their sea legs” when they go on a cruise or other long boat trip? It’s a funny expression, but it actually refers to an important function of your vestibular system. When you get on a boat, it can literally rock your sense of balance. The constant moving of the ship, combined with turbulence in the water, makes your inner ear work overtime to keep you on your feet.

If you’ve ever spent some time at sea, you may have noticed that you felt a little wobbly once you were back on land. This wobbliness is “mal de debarquement.” This condition makes people feel like they’re still standing on the deck of a ship despite the fact that they’re safely ashore. It feels like the world is still moving around them, even when they’re holding still. In addition to feeling like you’re still at sea, it can have other symptoms too:

• Nausea
• Exhaustion
• Depression
• Confusion

While the effects typically clear up in a few hours after returning to land, they can last for as long as two days. Symptoms can also return, or increase in intensity, if the condition is triggered. For some people, it does not go away without medical intervention.

How Can I Avoid Mal de Debarquement?

If you’re prone to dizziness and motion sickness, getting on a boat is probably not an activity you look forward to anyways. However, if you are susceptible to mal de debarquement, you should know that there are more triggers than just being on the water:

• Intense visual stimulation, like flashing lights or video games
• Car travel, air travel, and even train/subway travel
• Stress and mental unease
• Being in a claustrophobic space, like an elevator

In other words, even if you never set foot on a boat in your life, you could still experience this condition. Doctors aren’t sure where it comes from, but they know it’s more common in women between the ages of 30 and 60. It’s also more common in migraine sufferers. More research is needed to truly understand this disorder.

What Can I Do About It?

For some people, mal de debarquement is a one-time problem that they can wait out, typically feeling better within a couple of days. However, if you are prone to mal de debarquement, you may find yourself looking for medical intervention. Mal de debarquement is a rare balance disorder, and it may be challenging to get a doctor to diagnose it properly. This is why we recommend working with a balance specialist if you suspect you may be suffering from it. Unlike a general practitioner, a balance specialist will be familiar with the signs of mal de debarquement and will be able to recommend appropriate treatments.

Once you have been diagnosed, there are a number of options available to you. Some people find a lot of benefit in vestibular rehabilitation therapy, which can help your body regain a healthy sense of balance. There are also lifestyle changes that can help, such as getting better sleep and avoiding stress. If you suspect you may be suffering from mal de debarquement, you should know help is waiting for you.

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How long does mal de debarquement last? The initial symptoms can clear up within a few days. However, if it’s a repeat problem for you, don’t take it on alone. Let the experts at the National Dizzy and Balance Center get you back on your feet.

The post How Long Does Mal de Debarquement Last? appeared first on National Dizzy & Balance Center.

What to Do If You Feel Dizzy 2 Feb 2022, 7:07 pm

Would you go to a doctor if you felt dizzy? Dizziness doesn’t always seem like a big deal, but those who experience it regularly know it can have a real effect on your life. Learn what to do if you feel dizzy so you can stay safe and get the help you need.

What to Do If You Feel Dizzy

Have you ever ridden a ferris wheel, or another carnival ride? Odds are when you hopped off you felt a little lightheaded, and maybe a little wobbly on your feet. Getting dizzy isn’t scary when you’re on a ride, because it’s a part of the fun. Getting dizzy unexpectedly, however, is a different story.

Unexpected dizziness can be disorienting and frightening. After all, dizziness can be a sign of strokes and other medical issues. If you’re concerned about dizziness, you should know that dizziness is more common that you might think, and many people with dizziness have conditions that are minor and treatable. In fact, up to 40 percent of adults end up seeing a doctor to discuss dizziness at some point.

In other words, dizziness isn’t necessarily the end of the world, but it’s still something you should take seriously. Dizziness can have many causes, and some of them are serious enough that they require medical intervention:

• Circulation issues. Some people become dizzy when they sit or stand too quickly. This is usually caused by a drop in blood pressure. Dizziness can also be a side effect of a cardiac event like a heart attack or a stroke, though it will typically be accompanied by other symptoms.
• Inner ear issues. The inner ear system is responsible for your body’s sense of balance. When something interferes with the inner ear, dizziness can be the result. Something as simple as an ear infection can result in pronounced dizziness as a side effect.
• Nutritional issues. Dizziness can sometimes be a side effect of hunger, or a nutritional deficiency in the body. Anemia and issues with blood sugar are both common causes of dizziness.
• Medication side effects. Tranquilizers, antidepressants, sleep aids, and many other common medications can cause dizziness. If you have recently started a medication and are experiencing dizziness, be sure to talk to the prescribing physician about managing side effects.

Since dizziness is very common, it’s a good idea to have a plan for what to do if you feel dizzy. So, if you experience dizziness, what should you do?

Sit Down and Recover

When you know that dizziness can be a sign of a larger health problem, it can make you anxious when it occurs. However, the biggest threat to your health when you’re dizzy isn’t a medical issue. It’s the threat of falling, which is the most common way that people get injured due to dizziness. Because of this, your first action should be to stabilize yourself. Sit down and take some deep breaths, and wait for the dizziness to subside. If it’s available, drinking some cold water will also help you feel better.

Do You Need Medical Attention?

As mentioned above, dizziness is often benign, or at least a symptom of a relatively minor medical condition. However, there are times when dizziness is a sign of a medical emergency. Dizziness combined with these symptoms is something that requires immediate medical attention:

• Chest pains
• Severe headaches
• A head injury or other bodily trauma
• Muscle weakness or unexplained numbness
• Changes in vision or hearing

If your dizziness is accompanied by any of these symptoms, you may be having a medical emergency. You should immediately go to the nearest emergency room for treatment. If you cannot transport yourself safely, call 911.

Get More Information

Once you’ve recovered from your dizziness, it’s time to take an inventory. Has it happened before? Was it severe? Are you able to explain the source? A one-time bout of temporary dizziness is probably nothing to be concerned about. However, if it happens repeatedly, it’s a good idea to talk to a specialist. They’ll be able to help you identify the cause and seek appropriate treatment.

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Do you have a plan for what to do if you feel dizzy? If you still aren’t sure what to do about dizziness, call our specialists for a free consultation.

Looking for help with dizziness and balance issues? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating migraine issues, including vestibular migraines, head pain, and ongoing dizziness. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

The post What to Do If You Feel Dizzy appeared first on National Dizzy & Balance Center.

Can Migraines Make You Dizzy? 24 Jan 2022, 8:40 pm

Even if you’ve never suffered a migraine, you probably have an idea of what happens. These frustrating headaches seemingly come out of nowhere, causing the sufferer intense pain, nausea, and light sensitivity. But migraines may also involve another symptom: dizziness. About one in 10 adults in the United States report regular migraines, with a quarter of those people experiencing dizziness and vertigo alongside their migraines. The question is: Can migraines make you dizzy? Read on to find out more.

Can Migraines Make You Dizzy?

What Is a Migraine?

The Mayo Clinic defines a migraine as “a headache that can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head.” Per the clinic’s website, migraines are “often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.” But the truth is that not all migraines are created equal. While many migraine sufferers will only experience the symptoms listed above, some will experience another troubling symptom: dizziness. The question is: Can migraines make you dizzy, or are the two issues – migraines and dizziness – entirely separate?

Can Migraines Make You Dizzy?

So, can migraines make you dizzy? The answer is yes, although it does depend on an individual’s specific type of migraines. To understand the connection between migraines and dizziness, we first have to understand what happens during the onset of a migraine. During a migraine, your brain is much more sensitive to outside stimuli like noise and light. In many migraine sufferers, this sensitivity leads to painful headaches. However, some migraine sufferers may just experience dizziness or vertigo without the throbbing headache. This phenomenon typically involves vestibular migraines, a type of migraine that affects your vestibular system. This system helps the body maintain balance; thus, when the system is thrown out of balance – via a migraine, for example – it can lead to dizziness.

Treating Migraine-Related Dizziness

Experts know that certain types of migraines can cause dizziness; however, we still aren’t sure what causes vestibular migraines. Further research is needed to pinpoint the exact mechanisms that disrupt the vestibular system and cause migraine symptoms. Fortunately, there are several tactics that can help improve migraine-related dizziness in most patients. For example, a doctor may recommend keeping a journal and listing your dizziness triggers. Do you experience migraine-related dizziness in times of high stress? After eating certain foods? After driving for long periods? After several days of intensive screen time? Keeping track of your episodes is a great way to control the issue. Your doctor might also recommend certain medications, changes to your sleep schedule, and certain exercises you can perform to lessen your discomfort. Finally, if you suffer from vestibular migraines, you could be a candidate for vestibular therapy. This unique practice focuses on physical therapy and balance exercises, both of which can help mitigate the effects of vestibular migraines over time. This practice is also appropriate for individuals experiencing dizziness and balance issues that are unrelated to migraines.

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While certain kinds of migraines can lead to dizziness or vertigo, there’s hope. If you’re experiencing dizziness or vertigo alongside frustrating headaches, reach out to a vestibular expert. By working with a professional experienced in treating the vestibular system, you’ll be able to pinpoint exterior factors that could be contributing to your discomfort. With help from the experts, you can get back to living your life.

Are you struggling with migraines, dizziness, or both? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating migraine issues, including vestibular migraines, head pain, and ongoing dizziness. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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What Causes Migraines? 5 Jan 2022, 2:31 pm

Imagine you’re having a normal day, and then all of a sudden you feel an intense headache creeping up on the sides of your head. If you suffer from migraines, you know what’s coming next: aches and pains, extreme sensitivity to noise and light, and dizziness that can last for hours or even days. The more you know about migraines, the better you can avoid these unpleasant occurrences. So what causes migraines?

What Causes Migraines?

Migraines are one of the most frustrating medical conditions for a patient to have to deal with. They seemingly come out of nowhere, and they can take you out of commission for days at a time. Having a migraine is extremely unpleasant, and chronic migraine sufferers can find themselves missing work and social events with troubling regularity. If you’re a migraine sufferer who wants your life back, what can you do?

When it comes to migraines, unfortunately, there isn’t a good generalizable answer as to where they come from. It varies depending on the person and their circumstances. While there isn’t a medical consensus on how to treat migraines effectively, there are steps migraine sufferers can take to identify where their migraines are coming from and to get assistance with them.

Common Migraine Triggers

While we don’t have a great understanding of what causes every migraine, there are some common triggers that migraine sufferers should be aware of:

• Stress and emotional discomfort
• Certain drinks, like coffee and alcohol
• Changes in barometric pressure or adverse weather conditions
• Hormonal fluctuations, especially in women
• Strong sensory stimuli, like loud noises and harsh smells
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Certain foods and food additives, like preservatives

If any of these triggers sound familiar, they may be a part of what’s causing your migraines. 

Keeping a Migraine Journal

In order to determine what is causing your specific migraines, the best thing to do is to keep a migraine journal. This will allow you to identify what might be causing your migraines and help you avoid them. You also may have some issues that you don’t necessarily identify as migraines but are still symptoms of migraine issues. For example, vestibular migraine sufferers rarely have headaches but still experience symptoms like visual auras and nausea. A migraine journal can help you identify those issues as well, and provide more clues on how to prevent them. 

In order to keep a migraine journal, you will want to keep detailed notes on all of your migraine occurrences. Migraine journal entries should include the following:

• The time and date of the migraine
• Weather conditions at the time of the migraine
• Any migraine symptoms experienced
• The duration of the migraine
• Any identified triggers 
• Anything else you believe a doctor should know about the event

Keep your migraine journal until you have some instances to compare, then bring it with you to an appointment with a migraine specialist. They’ll be able to help you explore treatment options. There are certain medications that can give chronic migraine sufferers relief. There are also lifestyle changes that can help, like cutting out caffeine or alcohol. Your doctor will be able to help you make a plan that works for you.

It’s also important to note that there are some migraines that you won’t want to wait to discuss with a specialist. If you experience a migraine accompanied by neck pain, numbness, or weakness in the body, you should seek medical attention immediately in case you are experiencing a cardiac event. Likewise, any increase in headache intensity or frequency should be discussed with a medical professional sooner rather than later. This can indicate high blood pressure or other issues.

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What causes migraines? The answer depends on the person. If you’re trying to get to the bottom of your migraine issues, give us a call. We’re here to help.

Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating migraine issues, including vestibular migraines, head pain, and ongoing dizziness. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Causes of Balance Disorders 3 Jan 2022, 10:19 pm

Balance disorder symptoms can be alarming. Not only can they throw off your sense of equilibrium, but also they can lead to falls, accidents, and injuries if you aren’t careful. If you’ve ever experienced vertigo, dizziness, or another balance disorder, you might ask yourself: what could possibly be causing this? The truth is that balance problems are quite common, especially among older adults. Understanding the cause of balance disorders is an important first step in getting the relief you need.

Causes of Balance Disorders

What Is a Balance Disorder?

First, what exactly qualifies as a balance disorder? Think of the term “balance disorder” as an all-encompassing identifier that can apply to most disorders causing dizziness, vertigo, and other balance issues. Generally speaking, the term applies to any disturbance that makes you feel unsteady, woozy, dizzy, or like you’re spinning. Typically, these disorders involve the inner ear, an important part of the vestibular system. However, balance disorders can also affect other parts of your brain, as well as your nervous system.

What Causes Balance Disorders?

Causes of balance disorders range widely. Some balance disorders are linked to viral or bacterial infections, while others can come on after head injuries like concussions. Additionally, eye injuries like eye muscle imbalance can cause balance difficulties. Certain medications can also result in balance problems, as can aging. So how do doctors determine the cause of individual balance disturbances? As you can see, the potential causes range far and wide. However, experts can link most balance disorders back to problems in one of four areas:

• Peripheral vestibular disorder, or disturbance in the labyrinth located in the inner ear
• Central vestibular disorder, indicating a problem in the brain or its connecting nerves
• Systemic disorder, indicating a problem of the body outside the head and brain
• Vascular disorder, or blood flow problems leading to imbalance

Identifying the Cause of Your Balance Disorder

While there are numerous potential causes of balance disorders, experts have several tactics to identify and address each cause. Make no mistake: diagnosing the cause of a balance disorder is a complicated task. First, there are many different kinds of balance disorders. Additionally, other undiagnosed medical conditions may also contribute to a balance disorder. Ultimately, if you’re struggling with dizziness or other balance issues, be sure to reach out to a doctor for an evaluation. To diagnose your unique case, doctors will typically start with a detailed medical history. From there, your doctor will need to perform a physical examination. To identify specific balance disorders, your doctor may run a series of non-invasive, in-office tests. While these tests vary based on your symptoms, many doctors rely on a few standard tests including a hearing examination, brain imaging studies, and inner ear tests. If your doctor is unable to identify the cause of your disorder after these tests, more specific tests may be in order.

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The causes of balance disorders are varied. So if you find yourself struggling with balance issues, it’s best to reach out to an expert right away. Today’s doctors have an extensive understanding of the vestibular system, and working with an expert will help you get the relief you need.

Do you have questions about balance disorders? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

The post Causes of Balance Disorders appeared first on National Dizzy & Balance Center.

What Does a Concussion Feel Like? 22 Dec 2021, 2:18 pm

Sometimes it’s obvious that you should see a doctor about a potential concussion, but often it’s not. If you have a concussion, it’s vital to get medical attention ASAP. But what does a concussion feel like, and how do you know when you should schedule a doctor’s appointment?

What Does a Concussion Feel Like?

Did you know that over 200,000 people in the United States go to the emergency room for potential concussions every year? This may seem like a lot of people, but unfortunately, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are more common than many people realize. If you have an injury that causes a mild concussion, you might not even notice it right away. How is that possible?

Every Concussion Is Different

You probably have an idea of how concussions happen: someone gets a bump on the head, followed by unconsciousness or obvious dizziness and mental impairment. That person obviously needs to see a doctor. But what if it’s not that simple?

It’s important to remember that a concussion is a medical term for what happens when your brain is traumatically moved within your skull, usually due to an impact to the head or body. When this occurs, it stretches and damages neurons, leading to the symptoms we recognize as signs of a concussion. While there are some commonalities between concussion victims, the actual symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected by the injury. That’s why it’s important to know concussion symptoms, so you’ll know when to get the help you need.

But what does a concussion feel like? Those who have concussions often describe feeling “off,” like they know something’s not quite right, but they’re not sure exactly why. Dizziness, nausea, and headaches are also very common. However, they are not the only things you’ll feel when you have a concussion. A concussion can include any and all of the following symptoms:

• Headaches or “pressure” in the head
• Vision issues (double vision, blurry vision, or other vision disturbances)
• Light and noise sensitivity
• Mood swings and irritability
• Dizziness and other balance issues
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and concentration issues

Any combination of these symptoms can denote a concussion. While they are often immediately apparent after an injury, sometimes they can take a few days to show up. After you have sustained any kind of head injury or significant bodily impact, it is important to monitor your well-being and see a doctor immediately if these symptoms occur.

Because of the way concussions affect the brain, sometimes they’re more obvious to others than they are to us. If you think you may have a concussion, keep an eye out for these symptoms, and ask friends or family if they notice them too. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should assume you may have a concussion and seek medical attention:

• Difficulty or slowness in communication
• Easily forgetting instructions or other evident memory problems
• Clumsiness or balance issues
• Dramatic mood shifts

Why Is It Important to Diagnose Concussions?

You may be wondering why it’s so important to identify and treat a concussion. After all, if you miss your concussion symptoms, can the injury really be that bad?

When it comes to a TBI, the answer is a firm yes. If you have a concussion, your brain needs rest and rehabilitation in order to heal correctly. Continuing to live your life as normal after you get a concussion can make the symptoms last longer, and can even make them worse with some types of injuries. If you suspect you may have a concussion, even if you aren’t sure, you should speak with a concussion specialist as soon as possible.

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What does a concussion feel like? Dizziness, nausea, and headaches are the most common symptoms, but a lack of them doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods. The only person who can definitively tell you whether you have a concussion or not is a doctor. If you suspect you have one, visit our Concussion Clinic today to get the help you need.

Worried you might have a concussion? Are you in need of medical or legal advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to concussion management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Delayed Concussion Symptoms 20 Dec 2021, 5:08 pm

If you have a severe concussion, the symptoms are usually easy to spot. But what if you get the kind of concussion that isn’t obvious right away? Learn how to recognize delayed concussion symptoms so you’ll know when it’s time to seek medical attention.

Delayed Concussion Symptoms

You may think that a concussion would be hard to miss. The symptoms are obvious: dizziness, headache, and nausea following a blow to the head. If you don’t experience the symptoms of a concussion right away, you might assume you don’t have one, and return to business as usual. However, that assumption could become a grave mistake. Depending on the source of your concussion and the severity of your injury, a concussion might not be obvious right away. Learning about delayed concussion symptoms is the best way to make sure you get the care you need when you need it the most.

How Can Concussion Symptoms Be Delayed?

Many people are not aware of the prevalence of delayed concussion symptoms, but they’re more common than you might think. To understand where delayed concussion symptoms come from, it’s helpful to learn about how concussions work.

A concussion occurs when your head or body experiences a severe impact. This can include car accidents, falls, and even sports injuries. The concussion is caused when your head or neck are moved rapidly, resulting in your brain twisting or moving unexpectedly inside of your skull. When this occurs, brain cells can be damaged, resulting in the outward symptoms of a concussion.

In many situations, the cause-and-effect of a concussion is easy to spot. If someone experiences a traumatic head or body injury and then starts exhibiting concussion symptoms, it’s typically easy for a doctor to diagnose them with a concussion. However, there are some situations that can lead to delayed concussion symptoms:

• Some symptoms of a concussion are easy to see, such as dizziness or nausea. However, there are also concussion symptoms that can be harder to spot, such as memory loss. Since every concussion is different, someone may have a concussion that isn’t immediately apparent but still present.
• Sometimes concussions cause brain injuries that take a while before they affect a person’s day-to-day life. Concussion symptoms typically improve within a few weeks, but for some people, they actually get worse as the injury starts to have an impact on their mental functions.
• If a person has a history of concussions, future concussions can be more severe. Minor injuries can lead to concussions for anyone with a history of traumatic brain injuries or repeated impacts to the head and body, such as sports injuries. If someone experiences a minor injury and does not seek medical attention, they may not notice their concussion for some time.

The main thing to remember is that every concussion is different, and only a doctor can tell you whether you have one or not. If you think you may have a concussion, don’t ignore it!

What Can I Do About Delayed Concussion Symptoms?

How can you tell if you have a concussion? Symptoms include the following:

• Nausea and headaches
• Dizziness
• “Brain fog,” or cognitive difficulties throughout the day
• Sensitivity to noise and light
• Ringing in the ears
• Emotional instability (excessive irritability, depression, or other new emotional issues)
• Difficulty paying attention or remembering things

If you are experiencing these issues, you should see a concussion specialist for an evaluation right away. Even if it’s been days or weeks since the initial injury, you could still be dealing with delayed concussion symptoms that would benefit from medical attention.

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If you suspect you may have delayed concussion symptoms, seeing a concussion specialist should be your next move. Visit the Concussion Clinic at the National Dizzy and Balance Center for expert diagnosis, treatment, and more.

Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating concussions, including delayed concussion symptoms. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Vestibular Migraine Triggers 22 Nov 2021, 8:41 pm

Migraine sufferers know that tracking your migraine triggers is the best way to avoid unnecessary headaches. However, if you have vestibular migraines, you might be wondering what you should be keeping track of. What are vestibular migraine triggers, and are they different than other triggers?

Vestibular Migraine Triggers

Do you get vestibular migraines? If so, you probably know that getting the right treatment for them can be a real hassle. Unlike traditional migraines, vestibular migraines often do not involve headaches at all. Vestibular migraines are caused when something throws your vestibular system out of whack. Since the vestibular system helps us maintain our sense of balance, sufferers experience nausea, vertigo, and other vestibular symptoms, often without a headache involved. Getting vestibular migraines diagnosed and treated appropriately can be difficult, which is why it’s helpful to seek expert treatment for any vestibular distress symptoms you experience.

Keeping Track of Your Triggers

A common recommendation for migraine sufferers is to keep track of migraine triggers. If you have vestibular migraines, it is important for you to do this as well. If you aren’t sure what triggers your migraines, start to keep a migraine journal. Every time you have a migraine, take note of the following:

• The date and approximate time of the migraine
• Any possible or potential triggers
• Symptoms experienced
• Duration

If you track this information consistently, you will begin to get a sense of what causes your migraines. However, since vestibular migraines are different than traditional migraines, you might be wondering what kind of triggers you should be tracking. Keep an eye out for the following vestibular migraine triggers.

Food

Like traditional migraines, food can be a vestibular migraine trigger for some patients. Ingredients to avoid include caffeine, alcohol, cheese, chocolate, and foods that are high in MSG and other preservatives. Some researchers believe there is a link between citrus foods and migraines as well, but more research is needed to confirm this.

Hormonal Shifts

If you menstruate or take hormones for medical reasons, you may have noticed that hormonal fluctuations in your system are accompanied by vestibular migraines. In particular, changes in estrogen levels can be strong migraine triggers.

Emotional and Psychological Distress

Some people notice that they’re more prone to vestibular migraines when they’re experiencing stress. Stressful and traumatic events have a strong correlation to vestibular migraines. In fact, 80 percent of participants in a recent vestibular migraine study indicated that stress is a significant migraine trigger for them. Stress can raise blood pressure and trigger other pathways in the brain that cause migraines to occur or get worse.

Sleep Disturbances

Have you ever gotten a bad night of sleep and then had to deal with a migraine the next day? Unfortunately, bad sleep and vestibular migraines can become a cycle that is hard to break. Many vestibular migraine sufferers have reported having sleep disturbed by migraine symptoms, which can lead to a worse migraine the next day.

Weather Changes

Do you start to get a headache just before it rains? If so, you may be particularly sensitive to weather changes. While barometric pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day, extreme rises and dips can result in vestibular migraines for chronic sufferers. Hot and humid weather is also associated with vestibular migraines for some patients.

Light Changes

You’re probably already aware that lights are a trigger for traditional migraine sufferers, but did you know that they’re a trigger for vestibular migraines as well? Flashing lights or extremely bright lights can activate the pathways in your brain that lead to migraines, or make an existing migraine worse.

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Now that you know what vestibular migraine triggers are, it’s time to start keeping track of them. Make sure your migraine journal is up to date before you see your doctor again. The more information you give them, the better you’ll know your migraine triggers, and the more relief you’ll experience as a result.

Are you experiencing frustrating vestibular migraines? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including vestibular migraines, concussions, and ongoing dizziness. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Symptoms of Whiplash 9 Nov 2021, 3:32 pm

Experiencing a car accident can be scary. Not knowing if you’re okay after a car accident is even scarier. Do you know enough about whiplash to know when to seek medical attention? Learn the symptoms of whiplash, and you’ll be able to get the help you need sooner rather than later.

Symptoms of Whiplash

Did you know that whiplash is one of the most common car crash injuries in the United States? What you might not know is that you can get whiplash from all kinds of events, not just a car accident. It’s a smart idea to learn the symptoms of whiplash so you can get the help you need and protect yourself from further injury.

What Causes Whiplash?

While whiplash is commonly associated with car accidents, it can be caused by any event where your neck is rapidly jerked back and forth. The name “whiplash” comes from the rapid neck motion that causes the injury, which resembles the cracking of a whip. You can get whiplash from a sports injury, an unexpected fall, or any other circumstance that moves your neck quickly outside of your control. If you experience an event like this, it’s important to keep an eye out for the symptoms of whiplash.

You should also be aware that the risk of experiencing whiplash is higher for some people than others. If you are over the age of 50, have experienced whiplash previously, or already have existing back and neck issues, you should be especially cautious about the possibility of whiplash.

How Do I Know If I Have Whiplash?

If you experience an injury that could potentially cause whiplash, you should monitor your health carefully. If you experience stiffness or soreness in your neck, that is a sign you may have whiplash. If that occurs, keep an eye out for these other symptoms:

• Worsening stiffness, soreness, or other pain that limits movement in the neck
• New headaches, especially starting with neck pain or pain at the base of the skull
• Fatigue
• Pain and tenderness in the upper arms or upper back
• Dizziness or vertigo

These are the most common symptoms of whiplash. However, it’s important to note that whiplash can also cause other lesser-known symptoms, including the following:

• Pain and stiffness throughout the body, often originating in the neck or spine
• Sleep issues (poor sleep, frequent waking up)
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty focusing or accomplishing daily tasks
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears (also called tinnitus)
• Irritability and unexplained anger
• Memory issues
• Depression and other emotional instability

If you have been in an accident that could cause whiplash and you have any combination of the symptoms above, it is worth your while to seek medical attention right away. Even if you don’t have whiplash, you could have a similar injury that would benefit from a doctor’s care.

How Are the Symptoms of Whiplash Treated?

If you suspect you may have whiplash, it’s time to see a doctor. While a general practitioner can provide assistance, you may want to bring your case to a specialist, especially if you are experiencing some of the rarer symptoms listed above. National Dizzy and Balance Center offers free whiplash consultations. Our specialists can quickly and easily diagnose whiplash or any other issues you may be experiencing.

If a doctor or medical specialist determines you have whiplash, they will most likely recommend that you seek physical therapy. This is an effective treatment to ease the pain, stiffness, and other symptoms of whiplash that can interfere with your day-to-day life. They also may recommend other medicines or therapies as appropriate. Most people typically recover within a few weeks or months, depending on the severity of the injury.

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Knowing the symptoms of whiplash can help you decide when to seek medical treatment. However, any time you’re in a car crash or other traumatic accident, it’s imperative to seek medical attention right away. Don’t wait! Help is waiting for you.

Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Can Anxiety Make You Dizzy? 8 Nov 2021, 3:26 pm

Anxiety disorders affect more than 18 percent of the population, adding up to more than 40 million adults in the United States alone. Chronic anxiety, or anxiety that occurs over an extended period of time, can cause a wide range of symptoms – but can anxiety make you dizzy? Surprisingly, yes. In fact, dizziness is a common symptom associated with both acute and chronic anxiety. Read on to find out more about the connection between dizziness and anxiety.

Can Anxiety Make You Dizzy?

What Does Anxiety Feel Like?

Before we address the connection between dizziness and anxiety, it’s important to understand anxiety symptoms as a whole. Per the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), anxiety often involves the following symptoms:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Sleep problems
• Shortness of breath
• Headache and nausea
• Overwhelming feelings of panic, fear, or nervousness
• A feeling of impending doom
• Trouble concentrating

Can Anxiety Make You Dizzy? Yes – and Vice Versa

So, you’ve experienced one or more of the symptoms listed above. You find yourself experiencing these symptoms over an extended period of time – but you also feel dizzy in tandem with your anxiety symptoms. Maybe you feel lightheaded or woozy when you’re in a crowded area like a shopping mall. Maybe you feel like you’re spinning or swaying, even when you’re standing still. What do these symptoms mean? Ultimately, dizziness and anxiety are known to go hand-in-hand. First, on a general level, dizziness can produce anxiety, as it often causes discomfort and a sense of unease. After all, if you’re struggling with an untreated dizziness or balance issue, you’re going to feel anxiety until you experience some relief. But on a deeper note, the vestibular system could explain the connection between anxiety and dizziness.

Anxiety and the Vestibular System

Scientists believe that the vestibular system, or the areas in the brain responsible for dizziness and balance issues, frequently interact with the areas of the brain responsible for anxiety. As a reminder, the vestibular system is ultimately responsible for sensing the position of your body as you move through the world. When things go wrong in the vestibular system, it can create a sense of dizziness or unbalance. When your vestibular system interacts with the part of the brain responsible for anxiety, you may experience both symptoms in tandem. For this reason, as reported in Frontiers in Public Health, people with certain inner ear disorders or vestibular system abnormalities may be at an increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder.

Treating Anxiety and Dizziness

The good news is that anxiety and dizziness can often be treated together as connected issues. If you or a loved one have anxiety symptoms that are negatively impacting daily life – taking a toll on school, work, or friendships, for example – professional help is available. In additional to connecting with a mental health provider who specializes in anxiety, individuals struggling with dizziness and anxiety should prioritize vestibular care. By addressing underlying issues in the vestibular system, a dizziness and balance specialist will be able to reduce dizziness symptoms and, ideally, accompanying anxiety.

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So, can anxiety make you dizzy? The answer is yes. If you’re experiencing both issues, a dizziness and balance expert is an excellent resource to help you start feeling better.

Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness, which can often contribute to anxiety. Our talented team members can design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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How to Prevent Falls in the Elderly 15 Sep 2021, 6:11 pm

Getting older can be a wonderful thing. As we enter our golden years, we can learn more about ourselves, reconnect with friends and loved ones, and often enjoy a slower pace that makes it easier to enjoy the little things. However, getting older does come with a few physical changes. In some older adults, changes like health conditions, new medication regimens, and reduced muscle tone can lead to falls. And while falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, they are preventable. Read on to learn more about how to prevent falls in the elderly.

How to Prevent Falls in the Elderly

What Causes Falls in the Elderly?

Per American Family Physician, some normal changes associated with aging – things like reduced vision or hearing capabilities – can make older adults more likely to fall. There are several other factors that can cause falls in the elderly:

• Certain illnesses can cause weakness or lethargy
• Poor lighting can make individuals more likely to trip over household objects
• Some medicines, including those for sleep problems and high blood pressure, can upset your balance as a side effect. Taking more than four medications at once can also increase the likelihood of falls.

Work with a Doctor to Prevent Falls

Working with a doctor can be a key way to prevent falls. A doctor can help assess the following risk factors for falls:

• Medications: Older adults should bring a list of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including any nutritional supplements, to each doctor’s appointment. Doctors may wean certain adults off of medications if they are at particularly high risk for falls.
• Fall History: The National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends bringing a full “fall history” to each doctor’s appointment. Adults should ask themselves: Have I fallen before? If so, when, where, and how? Even the smallest details can help a doctor determine fall prevention strategies.
• General Health Status: Doctors should assess any health conditions on an ongoing basis to help prevent falls. Patients, on the other hand, should be comfortable discussing general balance and comfort issues. For example, a patient should communicate any dizziness or balance problems, as well as any discomfort while walking, standing, or moving. Finally, a doctor may wish to assess a patient’s gait to scout out any undetected balance issues.
• Exercise (or Lack Thereof): Doctors are an excellent resource for elderly adults who want to explore exercise programs. The NIA reports that regular exercise can help build muscle in older adults. Additionally, exercise can keep bones, joints, and tendons flexible, which can stave off the worst effects of a fall.

Learn to Put Safety First

When it comes to preventing falls, a few small safety precautions can go a long way. For example, adults who are concerned about falls can chat with a doctor or physical therapist to help determine if they could benefit from using a cane or walker. Additionally, older adults should carefully assess their living environments. Addressing the following hazards can be a great place to start:

• Remove any boxes, plants, knick-knacks, or electrical cords from walkways in the home.
• Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape or slip-resistant backing.
• Look out for any loose floorboards, peeling tile, or loose carpeting.
• Store household items within easy reach.
• Immediately clean any spills.
• Use nonslip mats in the bathroom, and consider installing a bath seat in the shower.

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Determining how to prevent falls in the elderly is a process unique to each individual. However, there are several easy steps older adults can take to protect themselves from falls, including working with a doctor, removing household hazards, and immediately addressing any dizziness or balance issues.

Do you have questions about preventing falls? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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How to Help Someone with Anxiety 26 Aug 2021, 8:49 pm

Have you noticed that a loved one seems a bit more on edge than normal? Maybe they’ve expressed unusually frequent feelings of panic, or they seem to be struggling in certain social situations. Depending on your loved one’s symptoms, they may have anxiety. Anxiety disorders are incredibly common, affecting around 40 million American adults ages 18 or older. But while anxiety is common, it can be hard to know how to help someone with anxiety. Below are some tips to help you support your loved one with anxiety.

How to Help Someone with Anxiety

Understanding Anxiety

First: what, exactly, is anxiety? It can be easy to confuse anxiety with general nervousness or fear – but, in reality, anxiety represents a set of symptoms all its own. Per the National Institutes of Mental Health (NIMH), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) involves excessive worry that dominates the patient’s thoughts, emotions, and actions for at least six months. Anxiety disorders can also go hand-in-hand with panic disorders. The NIMH explains that panic disorders involve recurring panic attacks, which are sudden periods of intense anxiety that typically manifest in physical symptoms like sweating or shaking. Regardless of the type of anxiety your loved one has, rest assured that there are plenty of ways to offer support.

Help by Recognizing Anxiety Symptoms

Before you can support your loved one with anxiety, it helps to be able to recognize their symptoms when they happen. Per the NIMH, anxiety often involves the following signs and symptoms, although this list is by no means comprehensive:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Restlessness
• Sweating
• Sleep problems
• Shortness of breath
• Headache and nausea
• Overwhelming feelings of panic, fear, or nervousness
• A feeling of impending doom
• Trouble concentrating

If you notice your loved one struggling with these symptoms, there are several things you can do to help.

Don’t Ignore the Issue

When you’re deciding how best to help someone with anxiety, you might want to sweep the issue under the rug. “They’ll be embarrassed if I bring it up,” you might think. However, it’s typically best to let your loved one know that you’re concerned. This can help them feel supported and understood in their journey to treat their anxiety. For example, if your loved one has been withdrawing from social activities because of their anxiety symptoms, you could approach them in a loving way. Try saying, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been avoiding social gatherings. I’m worried about you – do you want to talk about what caused the change?” By starting a dialogue, you can help your loved one identify and seek support for their anxiety.

Help Them Find Outside Support

If your loved one’s anxiety is negatively impacting their life – taking a toll on school, work, or friendships, for example – you should encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to help them find a mental health provider who specializes in anxiety and can help them develop a treatment plan. Individuals with anxiety may also struggle with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, walking the dog, or making appointments over the phone. As you help your loved one find outside support, be sure to keep an eye out for everyday tasks you can take over while they’re on the road to recovery.

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It can be hard to know how to help someone with anxiety. However, in most situations, a listening ear and hands-on help can both go a long way.

Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness, which can often contribute to anxiety. Our talented team members can design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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What Causes Vestibular Migraines? 5 Aug 2021, 7:59 pm

Migraines are one of the most common medical issues in the United States. However, there’s still a lot of confusion and misinformation surrounding migraines. For example, did you know that there’s a type of migraine that often does not involve a headache at all? What causes vestibular migraines, and what can you do about them?

What Causes Vestibular Migraines?

About one in ten adults in the United States report regularly experiencing migraines. A quarter of those people experience dizziness and vertigo alongside their headaches. If you have experienced unexplained bouts of dizziness, you might assume you’re not having a migraine if it isn’t accompanied by a headache. What you actually might be experiencing is a vestibular migraine. But what causes vestibular migraines, and how do you know if you’re having one?

Migraines Aren’t Always Headaches

Migraines are associated with headaches, but a headache isn’t what makes something a migraine. This is because a migraine is not just a headache. It’s a period of time where your brain is more sensitive to outside stimuli, such as noise and light. Headaches can result, but they may not. 

Vestibular migraines are a type of migraine where a headache is rare, but the other symptoms are very real. Your vestibular system is the system of nerves and organs in your head that help your body maintain balance. When something throws this system out of balance, the result can be dizziness, vertigo, and nausea. These are the symptoms that make up a typical vestibular migraine.

The causes of vestibular migraines aren’t entirely clear. Doctors believe they are caused by misfiring neurons in the brain related to the vestibular system. Vestibular migraines usually do occur in those who have a history of migraine headaches. Vestibular migraines are also common among those who regularly experience motion sickness, and these two conditions can produce similar symptoms. Traditional migraine headache triggers can also trigger vestibular migraines, and the conditions can happen concurrently. This is why it can be difficult for vestibular migraine sufferers to disentangle that condition from migraine headaches.

How Do I Know If I Have Vestibular Migraines?

If you regularly experience vertigo and dizziness, you may be suffering from vestibular migraines. Here are the warning signs to look out for:

• Dizziness, nausea, and vertigo occurring independently of migraine headaches
• Unexplained vomiting and nausea issues
• Problems with balance and coordination, even when migraines are not occurring
• Extreme sensitivity to motion, resulting in nausea
• The feeling that you’re in a “rocking boat,” or slowly swaying while you’re holding still
• Sensitivity to sound, light, and other migraine triggers
• Periods of disorientation or confusion

If these symptoms sound familiar to you, you should consult with a medical professional who specializes in treating vestibular migraines. 

Is There a Cure?

Since we aren’t sure what causes vestibular migraines, you may be concerned that there is not an effective way to deal with them. Luckily, there are strategies that can help vestibular migraine sufferers. One of the first things many doctors recommend is lifestyle changes. Keeping track of migraine headache triggers, and seeing if and when vestibular migraines accompany them, can be key to initially controlling the issue.

Once your vestibular migraines are under control, a doctor can help you make a long-term plan to manage them. Doctors can provide advice on changing diets, sleeping schedules, and other minor adjustments. There are medications that can be helpful, especially with unpleasant physical symptoms like nausea. There is also a treatment option called vestibular therapy, which focuses on physical therapy and balance exercises to help mitigate the effects of vestibular migraines. One of these treatment options, or the right combination of them, can help you get your life back in balance. 

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Are you experiencing frustrating vestibular migraines? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including vestibular migraines, concussions, and ongoing dizziness. To learn more about our approach, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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What Part of the Brain Controls Balance? 19 Jul 2021, 1:45 pm

It’s easy to take the balance system for granted. Depending on your ability level, you probably don’t think twice about standing upright, walking around, and sitting up straight. But while these processes might seem effortless, the reality is that your brain is constantly working to keep your balance system functioning properly. Your brain is responsible for helping you walk, run, and even stand on one foot. But what part of the brain controls balance?

What Part of the Brain Controls Balance?

What Part of the Brain Controls Balance?

Picture your brain like a factory. There are countless little gears, conveyor belts, and workers milling about, each of them serving a unique purpose to keep you moving through the world. And while your balance system engages several parts of your brain, the main part of the brain that controls balance is the cerebellum. Science American explains that the cerebellum – sometimes quaintly known as the “little brain“ – is located at the very back of your skull. The cerebellum controls a number of functions including movement, speech, balance, and posture. But the cerebellum doesn’t work alone. There are several other parts of the brain that also contribute to balance functions, including something known as the vestibular system.

The Basics of the Vestibular System

Think of the vestibular system as a messenger service. Located in the inner ear, the vestibular system provides your brain with information on things like motion, the position of your head, and sudden movements. This helps you maintain your balance by ensuring that your brain processes your body’s position every time it changes. Overall, the vestibular system helps you maintain a sense of equilibrium, preventing falls and dizziness.

How Does the Balance System Work?

Here, we’ll explore a more detailed explanation of how your brain’s balance system works.

The Role of the Temporal Lobe

Have you ever flinched upon hearing a loud noise? You have your temporal lobes to thank. The temporal lobes are located in the cerebrum, and they help process audio and visual stimuli. Your temporal lobe has a direct line to the cerebellum by neural pathways, allowing your brain to process stimuli and react quickly – by jumping away from a loud sound, for example. This is a major factor in maintaining your overall equilibrium, or sense of balance.

The Role of Semicircular Canals

Try moving your head up and down quickly. Did you recover quickly from the sudden movement? Your semicircular canals, located in your inner ear, helped with that. Your semicircular canals contain a fluid known as endolymph. This fluid moves when you move your head, activating the tiny hairs lining the canal and communicating the direction and speed of movement to your brain.

The Role of the Utricle and Saccule

Finally, the utricle and saccule are two vestibular organs that help detect linear movement. These organs, also located in the inner ear, detect when you tilt your head, change your body position, or move forward – like when you’re walking down the sidewalk, for example. Each of these organs contains hair cells, which are covered with a layer of tiny calcium crystals called otoconia. When you tilt your head or move your body, the movement shifts the crystals and causes the hair cells to bend. This, in turn, sends signals to your brain to help you maintain your balance.

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Understanding which part of the brain controls balance is a key part of treating balance-related issues. The balance system is highly complex; fortunately, vestibular experts have a thorough understanding of the system and its unique components.

Do you have questions about balance issues? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Dizziness When Lying Down: What Does it Mean? 7 Jul 2021, 6:14 pm

You’re lying down in bed, ready to drift off to a restful sleep after a long day. Calming ocean sounds drift from your white noise machine, you’re wearing your comfiest sleepwear – but something isn’t quite right. You tilt your head ever so slightly, and then it hits you: a sudden dizzy spell strikes, and the room feels like it’s spinning. If you’ve ever experienced dizziness when lying down, you know how disorienting it can be. Fortunately, all of the most common causes of dizziness are highly treatable.

Dizziness When Lying Down: What Does it Mean?

BBPV and Dizziness When Lying Down

First, let’s address the most common cause of dizziness while lying down: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. This condition occurs when tiny gravity-sensing crystals in the inner ear mistakenly move into parts of the ear – namely, the parts that detect head motion. This can result in sudden, brief periods of intense vertigo, the type of dizziness that makes it feel like the room is spinning around you. Dizziness symptoms associated with BPPV often occur when you lie down or roll over in bed. Although they’re short – usually between 10 and 20 seconds long – these episodes can be disorienting, frustrating, and even dangerous, as they could cause you to accidentally roll or fall out of bed.

Head Injury and Dizziness

Have you been in a car accident or suffered a fall lately? A head injury could be the culprit behind your dizziness. If you’ve suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) like a concussion, you may notice more general problems with balance, including vertigo. Fortunately, traumatic head injuries are treatable with the help of a dizzy and balance expert.

Ménière’s Disease and Dizziness

So, you’re experiencing dizziness while lying down, but neither BPPV nor a head injury seems to be the issue. You may be suffering from Ménière’s disease, a disorder of the inner ear that causes severe vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and often a feeling of congestion in the ear. Ménière’s can lead to sudden attacks of dizziness that, like BPPV episodes, can be extremely disorienting. While Ménière’s disease can develop at any age, it most commonly affects adults in midlife between 40 and 60 years of age.

Treating Dizziness When Lying Down

Rest assured: you don’t have to suffer in silence. If you’re experiencing troubling dizzy spells, reach out to a dizzy and balance expert to get quick relief. If your doctor diagnoses you with BPPV, they may complete one of two in-office procedures to ease your symptoms. The first procedure, known as the Epley maneuver, involves gently tilting your head in a series of different directions. The second procedure, the Semont maneuver, involves quickly turning your head from side to side. If your doctor suspects a traumatic head injury, they may refer you to a specialty concussion clinic. These clinics are designed to properly evaluate any damage caused by a head injury; at that point, your doctor can work with you on a long-term treatment plan. Finally, if your doctor suspects Ménière’s disease, they will likely develop a long-term plan to address Ménière’s disease symptoms in the short and long term.

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Dizziness while lying down can be frustrating, preventing you from getting adequate sleep and even posing safety hazards. Fortunately, experts like those at National Dizzy & Balance Center are here to help.

Are you struggling with dizziness while lying down? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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How to Diagnose Vertigo 6 Jul 2021, 12:29 pm

Vertigo is the unpleasant sensation of feeling off balance, often described as a “dizzy spell.” If you suffer from vertigo, you may feel like you are spinning – or, conversely, like the world around you is spinning. And while vertigo is often caused by an inner ear problem, there are several factors to take into consideration when it comes to how to diagnose vertigo.

How to Diagnose Vertigo

Types of Vertigo

Before a doctor can properly diagnose vertigo, they must first determine if the vertigo is peripheral or central.

Peripheral vertigo is the most common type of vertigo, and problems in the inner ear typically cause it. Peripheral vertigo originates in the vestibular system, the tiny organs and channels in the inner ear that control balance. Specific head movements – like turning your head to one side – often trigger peripheral vertigo. Patients with peripheral vertigo often experience hearing loss and tinnitus in addition to vertigo.

Central vertigo, on the other hand, begins outside of the inner ear. A medical condition in a small area of the brain leads to this type of vertigo; specifically, the area that controls balance and spatial awareness. Central vertigo can result from an injury like a concussion or a condition like stroke.

Dix-Hallpike Test for Vertigo

The first vertigo test doctors typically run is known as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver. While this maneuver might sound complicated, it’s actually quite simple. The Dix-Hallpike is used to test for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), the most common cause of vertigo. To conduct this test, your healthcare provider will simply turn your head 45 degrees to one side. Then, you’ll quickly lie on your back, with your head off the side of the table, maintaining the 45-degree head turn for at least 30 seconds. If you experience vertigo during this test, you likely have BPPV.

Audiometric Tests for Vertigo

If the Dix-Hallpike maneuver is inconclusive, doctors often opt for audiometric tests. These are simple hearing tests that help doctors assess the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. For example, one of these tests involves a sensitive probe that produces a combination of sounds in the ear canal. If the inner ear is working as it should, the sensory receptors in the ear will send an echo to the probe. If the inner ear is not functioning properly, the probe won’t be able to detect an echo.

Other Tests for Vertigo

If your doctor is unable to draw a conclusion from the Dix-Hallpike or audiometric tests, there are several other testing options:

• Videonystagmography: This type of testing allows audiologists to record and interpret eye movements, which can help assess the inner ear. During this test, patients wear a pair of infrared light goggles to allow the doctor to record eye movements.
• Head Impulse Test: This test evaluates the partnership between your eyes and inner ears. In this simple test, your doctor will quickly rotate your head to assess your reflex functions.
• Romberg Test: This is another straightforward test that can help determine the cause of a case of vertigo. In this test, patients are asked to stand with both feet together, then close their eyes. The doctor uses the ensuing swaying or balance issues to assess the cause of vertigo.

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Determining how to diagnose vertigo takes a few things into account – namely, preexisting conditions, the type of vertigo, and the severity of the condition. Through a series of simple tests like the ones described above, doctors can quickly diagnose vertigo and provide relief to patients.

Are you struggling with vertigo? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Dizziness vs. Vertigo 2 Jul 2021, 12:14 pm

You know you’ve been struggling with dizziness lately – but what kind of dizziness? The terms “vertigo,” “dizziness,” and “unsteadiness” are all often used interchangeably. But the truth is, when it comes to dizziness vs. vertigo, the conditions have several key differences. Identifying your symptoms and determining whether they apply to dizziness or vertigo is a key part of treating your balance issue. Find out more about the differences between these issues and what you can do to get relief today.

Dizziness vs. Vertigo

What Is Dizziness?

While “dizziness” is a broad term often used to describe a variety of balance issues, it’s not necessarily applicable to all balance issues. The Mayo Clinic explains that “dizziness” is a term that may apply to motion and balance sensations including light-headedness, faintness, wooziness, or unsteadiness. While not all dizzy spells point to vertigo, vertigo can fall under the umbrella of general dizziness for diagnostic purposes. Either way, dizziness can be extremely disruptive, interfering with daily life and making everyday activities much more challenging – and sometimes even dangerous.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a much more specific term. While dizziness may make it seem like the world is spinning, vertigo points to a false sense of movement – almost making it feel as if you, yourself, are spinning even when you’re standing still. Medical News Today reports that vertigo is the only kind of dizziness that produces the uncomfortable spinning or whirling sensation. Vertigo is also often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, in addition to a general loss of balance or proclivity toward falling. An episode of vertigo can also cause nystagmus, which the American Optometric Association describes as a condition in which the eyes make repetitive, uncontrolled movements. All of these symptoms are particular to vertigo and rarely fall under the umbrella of general dizziness.

Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo

Whether you’re struggling from vertigo or other general dizziness issues, you need relief to get back to living your life. But what causes these conditions? Your doctor may identify a number of causes for your balance issues:

• Normal aging, which can contribute to dizziness
• Certain neurological disorders
• Inner ear-related issues from trauma or heredity
• Certain medication side effects
• Hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause

Treating Dizziness and Vertigo

If you struggle with balance issues, you know just how debilitating they can be. Unpacking your specific symptoms, whether they relate to dizziness or vertigo, is the first step to treating your balance issues. Start by checking in with a dizziness and balance specialist to explain your symptoms. From there, your doctor will be able to determine what could be triggering your balance issues, devising a treatment plan to help you move forward. Sometimes, relief may be as simple as a single visit to a specialist’s office.

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Dizziness vs. vertigo: Understanding the differences between these conditions is key to finding relief. Make sure to outline your symptoms clearly for your doctor as you’re devising a plan for relief. Finally, keep an eye out for symptoms like a whirling sensation, nausea, and vomiting, as these are typically limited to vertigo sufferers.

Are you struggling with dizziness or vertigo? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Can Allergies Cause Vertigo? 30 Jun 2021, 1:56 pm

Spring brings a welcome change in the weather. Unfortunately, it also brings a new bout of symptoms for allergy sufferers. Seasonal allergies cause headaches, congestion, and all kinds of other unique difficulties for patients. But can allergies cause vertigo?

Can Allergies Cause Vertigo?

Seasonal allergies that affect the sinuses, otherwise known as allergic rhinitis, affect nearly eight percent of the adult population in the United States. Because these allergies are so common, sometimes people don’t realize that they can also be quite serious. Depending on how difficult a patient’s allergies are and how effective available treatment is, symptoms can range from mild discomfort to a debilitating struggle. 

Vertigo is an uncommon but severe allergy symptom. It is most common in sufferers of allergic rhinitis. Since seasonal allergens enter the body through the nose and mouth, the body reacts by trying to flush them out with mucus. Unfortunately, our bodies often overproduce mucus, which is why individuals with allergic rhinitis sometimes suffer from sore throats due to post-nasal drip. 

Some allergy sufferers have such a significant build-up of fluid in their sinuses that it can affect their vestibular system. The vestibular system, and the eustachian tubes in particular, are responsible for our sense of balance. If the eustachian tubes in the inner ear become blocked by fluid, patients can experience a variety of worrying symptoms, including dizziness and lightheadedness. If the blockage is particularly stubborn, they can also suffer from vertigo. 

When a patient experiences vertigo, it often appears that the room is whirling around them, and they temporarily lose their sense of balance. They can also feel like they are moving or bobbing in water, even if they are holding still. It can make patients unsteady on their feet, and is often accompanied by symptoms like headaches and nausea. Vertigo can be a disorienting and frightening experience for a patient.

Why Do People Miss the Connection Between Allergies and Vertigo?

Vertigo is a symptom of many vestibular disorders, such as vestibular neuritis, as well as potential neurological issues. Because it feels frightening and often indicates a larger medical problem, patients may not always connect the dots between their existing allergies and their vertigo. If you have unexplained vertigo and also suffer from seasonal allergies, pursue the connection by contacting your doctor.

How Can I Treat Allergy-Related Vertigo?

The good news is that allergy-related vertigo will respond to typical allergy treatments. The first step is to identify what specific allergens are causing the reaction. Once a patient has a confirmed diagnosis, it is much easier to identify effective treatments for the symptoms caused. Over-the-counter allergy medications and nasal steroid sprays, as well as daily saline rinses, will bring some immediate relief. It may take a patient some trial and error to find the combination that works for them.

Long-term relief will come from successfully treating the allergies themselves. There are a number of options for patients, including allergy shots and sinus reconstruction surgery. Patients can also take steps to reduce their exposure to allergens, such as installing air filters in their home and sweeping more frequently.

It may take some time for these efforts to be fully effective. While pursuing treatment, a patient may need help adjusting to the effects of vertigo on their daily life. Anti-vertigo medicines may be appropriate, as well as vestibular rehabilitation therapy.

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Can allergies cause vertigo? In some people, absolutely. If you are experiencing unexplained vertigo, be sure to ask about seasonal allergies. The sooner the connection is found, the sooner you will get the help you need.

Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including vertigo and concussions. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your vertigo and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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What to Do for Whiplash After a Car Accident 28 Jun 2021, 12:33 pm

If you’ve been in an auto accident and think you might have whiplash, it can be hard to know where to turn. Whiplash can cause full-body pain and stiffness, and dealing with that on top of car insurance claims can be a major hassle. You might be tempted to ignore your whiplash or self-medicate with over-the-counter painkillers. Fortunately, National Dizzy & Balance Center has a proven success record when it comes to treating whiplash after auto accidents. Find out more about what to do for whiplash after a car accident.

What to Do for Whiplash After a Car Accident

Find the Care You Need

Serious car accidents have a way of disrupting your entire life. Pain and stiffness from the accident can affect your ability to go to work, pay attention in school, or complete daily activities like going to the store or cleaning your home. Beyond that, you may feel overwhelmed with the amount of paperwork required after an accident. While you may be tempted to let whiplash heal on its own, getting proper medical care is key to long-term recovery. We recommend paying a visit to your healthcare professional immediately after your accident, describing your injuries thoroughly and in detail. Even if your whiplash symptoms seem minor, they may worsen in the coming days or weeks. When in doubt, get checked out.

Pay Attention to Your Symptoms

Whiplash shows up a little differently in everyone. If you’re experiencing neck pain or stiffness, tingling or numbness in an arm or hand, headaches, and tinnitus after your accident, you’re probably suffering from whiplash. You may have mild symptoms that allow you to go about your day normally; still, we recommend keeping a journal of your whiplash symptoms over the course of several weeks. If your symptoms worsen, a journal will help your healthcare provider develop the best treatment plan for you. Some experts may also conduct a physical exam or an imaging test like an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan to check for other injuries outside of your whiplash. Remember, being in pain is not normal. You don’t have to suffer, even if you’re faced with severe whiplash after your car accident.

Develop a Long-Term Plan

Finally, you should work with a whiplash expert to rule out additional conditions and make an ongoing care plan. This plan might include pain management techniques like relaxation exercises; your plan might also include a short-term medication regimen. Overall, working with a whiplash expert is your best bet when it comes to long-term recovery after your accident.

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Still not sure what to do for whiplash after a car accident? While very mild symptoms may heal on their own, you should still keep a detailed symptom log for several weeks. In addition, reach out to an expert immediately. They may recommend a combination of physical therapy, relaxation exercises, and medication to get you back to feeling your best.

Have you been injured in an auto accident? Are you in need of medical or legal advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. A leading medical clinic system based in Minnesota, our goal is to help you improve your quality of life after an injury. Our multidisciplinary team includes physicians, audiologists, physical and occupational therapists, and a network of attorneys. This means we’re prepared to assist you with all aspects of your auto accident. Whether it’s a legal matter, a medical treatment choice, or a paperwork issue, we can help you sort it out as you work toward recovery. Contact us today to request a free auto injury consultation.

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How Long Does a Concussion Last? 25 Jun 2021, 3:01 pm

A concussion can seriously affect your quality of life. The physical and mental symptoms can be frightening, and not knowing how long you’ll have to deal with them can add stress to an already stressful situation. So, how long does a concussion last? 

How Long Does a Concussion Last?

If you are experiencing a concussion, you may be wondering about your recovery time. The good news is that most people do recover from a concussion in three to four weeks. However, there are several factors that can affect recovery time that you should be aware of.

Always Seek Treatment for a Concussion

The first and most important step in understanding how long your concussion will last is seeking medical advice. If you have been in an accident of some kind and you are experiencing common concussion symptoms, it is very important that you seek medical attention. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury, and if it is not diagnosed and treated appropriately, it can lead to further complications. If you suspect you have a concussion, we encourage you to visit one of the National Dizzy & Balance Center clinics right away if you live in or near the Twin Cities. Our intake process involves a full screening for symptoms, including medical imaging if needed. If a concussion is diagnosed, our team of qualified medical professionals will help you make a plan to recover. 

What Factors Make Concussion Recovery Take Longer?

Once a doctor has confirmed your concussion, they will be able to tell you how long they expect your recovery to take. While most concussion cases resolve on a relatively quick timeline, there are two things that can make it take longer.

Concussion Severity

Concussions are not simple injuries, and they vary in severity. The more severe your concussion is, the longer it will take to fully recover. Concussions are also very individualized injuries. Treatments that are appropriate for some patients will not be appropriate for others. This is another reason that it is very important to seek medical attention right away. A doctor will be able to assess your concussion’s severity and create an appropriate treatment plan and expected recovery timeline. 

Ignoring the Treatment Plan

Sticking to the treatment plan your doctor creates for you is vital. If you’re feeling better, it can be hard to remind yourself to rest and follow your doctor’s orders regarding physical and mental activity. You need to keep in mind that even if you feel recovered, your body is still healing. Failing to give your body the recovery time and resources your doctor recommends means that healing will likely take longer. “Toughing it out” may actually make your symptoms worse.

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So, how long does a concussion last? If your concussion is promptly diagnosed by a qualified medical professional, and you stick to the treatment plan, it is very likely that your concussion will be over within a month or so. That said, every concussion is different. Treatment and duration vary. 

No matter what kind of concussion you’re dealing with, expert treatment can make a difference in your recovery time. Don’t wait to get help. Call us today!

Worried you might have a concussion? Are you in need of medical or legal advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to concussion management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Balance Disorders – Types and Symptoms 23 Jun 2021, 1:16 pm

Have you ever felt like the room is spinning? Even more disorienting, have you ever felt like you’re spinning while the room is staying still? If you’ve ever experienced a chronic balance issue, you know that dizziness and balance problems can make it difficult to live your life. The balance system is complex, involving a series of muscles, joints, nerves – even your eyes and inner ear. Fortunately, specialists can treat many different types of balance disorders. There are more than a dozen different balance disorders, but below we’ve summarized some of the most common.

Balance Disorders – Types and Symptoms

Common Balance Disorders: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is one of the most common causes of vertigo. If you have BPPV, you may experience an intense episode of vertigo when you change the position of your head. During these episodes, you may feel as if you’re spinning when you, say, turn your head to look over your shoulder at something behind you. Other symptoms may include loss of balance, nausea and vomiting, and abnormal rhythmic eye movements, which your doctor can detect. BPPV can result from head trauma, or it can be a complication associated with other chronic conditions. Fortunately, BPPV is rarely serious and easily treatable with a few easy in-office procedures.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is another common balance issue caused by an inner ear infection. If you have labyrinthitis, the infection typically inflames a delicate inner ear structure called the labyrinth. This can affect your hearing and balance, leading to symptoms like dizziness and vertigo, nausea and vomiting, tinnitus, and potentially hearing loss. Your doctor can employ a specific battery of tests to diagnose and treat this infection.

Ménière’s Disease

While labyrinthitis results from sudden inflammation of the labyrinth, Ménière’s disease is a chronic condition that involves a change in fluid volume within the labyrinth. The cause of Ménière’s disease is currently unknown; however, doctors can typically diagnose it based on hearing loss, tinnitus, episodes of vertigo, and a feeling of uncomfortable fullness in the ear. There are a variety of medications available to treat the condition, including diuretics and anti-nausea medication.

Vestibular Neuronitis

Like labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis is thought to be the result of inflammation. However, this inflammation occurs in the vestibular portion of the eighth cranial nerve, which helps bring sound directly to the brain. Symptoms include vertigo, nausea, and potential gait imbalance. Finally, vestibular neuritis is typically caused by a virus, and it is treatable, with most symptoms resolving in a few days or weeks.

Mal de Debarquement Syndrome

While most other balance disorders are the result of trauma or chronic conditions, Mal de Debarquement Syndrome (MdDS) has a very specific external cause. This balance disorder makes you feel as though you’re continuously rocking or bobbing, and it results after exposure to an unfamiliar movement – say, walking on the deck of a ship as it bobs in the water – and the subsequent removal of that movement – like when you’re back on land. Most symptoms go away within a matter of hours; however, some patients experience chronic symptoms for months or even years.

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While balance disorders often cause similar symptoms – issues like vertigo, dizziness, or hearing problems – they can have dramatically different effects. This applies to treatment, as well. For fast, effective relief, make sure to reach out to a dizziness and balance expert.

Are you struggling with a balance disorder? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your concussion and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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BPPV Symptoms – Do You Have Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo? 21 Jun 2021, 5:05 pm

You’re sitting at your office cubicle, and a coworker calls your name from a few feet away. You turn your head to answer them – when, suddenly, you get the strange feeling that the room around you is spinning. If you’ve ever experienced this kind of vertigo, you know how disorienting it can be. While vertigo can have many causes, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may be to blame for your episode. While BPPV isn’t necessarily a serious problem, it can be disorienting – and, in some cases, dangerous. But how do you know if you have BPPV, or another kind of vertigo? To find out, let’s explore BPPV symptoms.

BPPV Symptoms

What Is BPPV?

Per the Mayo Clinic, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV, is one of the most common causes of vertigo. BPPV is characterized by brief episodes of dizziness, which can be mild or intense. BPPV episodes are typically triggered by changes in the position of your head – like when you’re turning around to answer a coworker, or shifting your position while lying in bed. Ultimately, BPPV is the result of a problem in the inner ear. The inner ear contains tiny calcium “stones,” which help you maintain your sense of balance by shifting when you move your head. But if those stones move out of the inner ear’s semicircular canal, it can throw your sense of balance off and cause vertigo.

BPPV Symptoms

As mentioned above, BPPV involves sudden episodes of vertigo. If you’ve never experienced an episode, the unexpected onset can be very frightening. Do your best to stay calm, as you may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden vertigo, or the feeling that you or your surroundings are spinning
• Loss of balance, which can lead to falls
• Nausea or vomiting
• Abnormal rhythmic eye movements

How Long Do BPPV Symptoms Last?

The goods news is that BPPV symptoms typically come and go quickly, with each episode only lasting about a minute or less. Episodes can recur frequently, or they might disappear for a while before recurring. If you’re experiencing longer episodes of vertigo for an extended period of time, you may or may not have BPPV. Fortunately, BPPV is fairly easy to diagnose, and very treatable through several easy, noninvasive in-office procedures.

Treating BPPV

BPPV is an easily treatable condition. If you decide to connect with a dizziness and balance specialist, your doctor will likely implement one of two in-office procedures to treat your symptoms. The first procedure is known as the Epley maneuver. If your doctor opts for this procedure, they will gently tilt your head in a series of different directions to help your inner ear achieve better equilibrium. During the second procedure, known as the Semont maneuver, your doctor will work with you to quickly turn your head in a designated pattern to alleviate your symptoms.

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While BPPV can subside with time, a doctor can help treat your symptoms quickly and effectively. If you notice the onset of BPPV symptoms, make sure to reach out to a specialist to prevent falls and other vertigo-related accidents.

Are you struggling with dizziness or balance issues? Have you been in an accident due to your dizziness or vertigo? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and vertigo. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of your condition and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to vertigo treatment, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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Post-COVID Vestibular and Neurological Symptoms 17 May 2021, 7:43 pm

While many people recover from COVID-19 without complications, the last year has demonstrated a troubling medical phenomenon: post-COVID syndrome, or what some medical professionals call “long COVID.” This phenomenon involves individuals – even young, otherwise healthy people – who experience a variety of symptoms weeks or months after their initial COVID-19 infection. While the most common symptoms of post-COVID syndrome are fatigue, shortness of breath, and coughing, some patients report vestibular and even neurological symptoms. Read on to find out more about post-COVID symptom studies.

Post-COVID Vestibular and Neurological Symptoms

What Is Post-COVID Syndrome, or “Long COVID?”

First, let’s address the specifics of what doctors refer to as post-COVID syndrome. As mentioned above, most COVID-19 sufferers are able to recover completely within a few weeks. But, as the Mayo Clinic reports, some people – even those who had relatively mild COVID symptoms — may continue to experience symptoms after recovering from the virus. The Mayo Clinic calls this phenomenon “post-COVID-19 syndrome” or “long COVID-19.” Oddly enough, post-COVID symptoms can include a wide range of symptoms that didn’t affect the patient during the onset of the disease, including vestibular symptoms like dizziness and tinnitus. One study found dizziness to be the most common neurological manifestation of COVID-19.

How COVID-19 Leads to Vestibular and Neurological Symptoms

Before we dig into the specific neurological and vestibular symptoms suffered during long COVID cases, let’s explore how COVID impacts the vestibular system. As we’ve discussed before, the inner ear contains a sound-sensing spiral cavity, as well as several fluid-filled semicircular canals. Each of these contributes to our sense of balance. In research published in the International Journal of Audiology, experts found that COVID-19 may damage the inner ear in several ways. That includes direct viral infection of the inner ear or an autoimmune attack by antibodies or immune cells. This can also include blood clotting that potentially blocks the blood supply to the cochlea or semicircular canals. Any of these can lead to inner ear damage, causing long-term vestibular complaints.

Post-COVID Dizziness and Tinnitus

So, what specific symptoms are researchers witnessing? The International Journal of Audiology study cites multiple reports of hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. While these symptoms do have some basis in research, the researchers do note that some patients may have experienced vestibular issues prior to their COVID-19 diagnosis. Medical News Today writes: “Although the evidence remains tentative, the researchers have estimated the prevalence of audiovestibular problems among people who have recovered from a SARS-CoV-2 infection.” Specifically, researchers found that around 14.8 percent of patients experience tinnitus, 7.6 percent have hearing loss, and 7.2 percent have vertigo, or a spinning sensation. Ultimately, further research is needed to interpret the study’s estimates of hearing, dizziness, and balance issues associated with COVID-19.

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Further research is needed to truly determine the prevalence of certain symptoms associated with long COVID. However, one thing is certain: a percentage of the population struggles with these issues, and they deserve relief. Have you have recovered from COVID-19 and find yourself dealing with dizziness, balance issues, headaches, tinnitus, or other vestibular symptoms? If so, reach out to your doctor for support. As the medical community continues to research the effects of COVID-19, your symptoms matter.

Are you struggling with post-COVID neurological symptoms? Are you in need of medical advice and wondering where to turn? Reach out to the professionals at the National Dizzy & Balance Center. We specialize in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders, including concussions and ongoing dizziness. Our talented team members can evaluate the extent of COVID-19 on your vestibular system and design a personalized plan to relieve your symptoms. To learn more about our approach to dizziness management, please contact us online or by phone. Or if you’re ready to get started, schedule your free medical consultation today.

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