Vertigo or balance disorders can be highly disruptive to daily life. At San Antonio ENT, we provide comprehensive care to address these issues, utilizing advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans. Whether caused by inner ear problems, migraines, or neurological conditions, our dedicated team is here to help you regain your balance and well-being.
Experiencing vertigo or balance disorders can be disorienting and disruptive to daily life. At San Antonio ENT, we understand these complexities and provide comprehensive care to restore your balance and well-being.
Understanding Vertigo and Balance Disorders
Vertigo is a type of dizziness where you feel as though you or your surroundings are spinning. It's a common symptom of balance disorders, which can stem from issues within the inner ear, brain, or sensory nerve pathways.
Common Causes
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): Displacement of tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear causes brief episodes of dizziness, usually triggered by head movements.
- Meniere's Disease: Abnormal fluid in the inner ear leads to vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness.
- Vestibular Neuritis: Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often due to a viral infection, results in sudden, severe vertigo, balance issues, and nausea.
- Labyrinthitis: Infection-induced inflammation of the inner ear labyrinth causes vertigo, hearing loss, and ear pain.
- Chronic Conditions: Migraines, certain medications, and neurological conditions can lead to persistent dizziness and balance problems.
Diagnostic Processes
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. At San Antonio ENT, we use advanced diagnostic tools, including:
- Audiograms: Evaluate hearing and identify related balance issues.
- Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG): Measure eye movements to assess balance.
- Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials (VEMP): Test inner ear reflexes and functions.
- Rotary Chair Testing: Evaluate coordination of eyes, inner ear, and brain.
- Posturography: Assess balance under various conditions.
- Imaging Tests: CT scans or MRIs to visualize ear and brain structures.
Comprehensive Treatment Plans
Our personalized treatment plans include medical and therapeutic options:
- Medications: To relieve symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and inflammation.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Dietary changes and strategies to manage triggers.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Physical therapy to alleviate vertigo and improve balance, including exercises for desensitization, balance training, and gaze stabilization.
In-office procedures, such as the Epley maneuver for BPPV, and surgical options are available for severe cases.
Regain Your Balance
Vertigo and balance disorders can significantly impact your life, but effective treatments are available. At San Antonio ENT, our team is committed to delivering compassionate care. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment with our experts to develop a treatment plan and improve your well-being.
