Dizziness and Vertigo

Vertigo is not a condition reserved to a fear of heights, like Scottie Fergusen in the 1958 film, nor is its symptoms of extreme dizziness and nausea confined to a night of over drinking. After all, how many people willingly visit the doctor after a night of over libation indulgence? The intense feeling of confusion, tingling, anxiety and extreme equilibrium dysfunctions related to the dizziness of vertigo is what drives millions to seek medical attention each year.

Peripheral vertigo is the most common form of the disease and simply a result of an inner ear imbalance or sinus issues. In this case, the operating of machinery may be the sufferer’s dooming fail.  However, if the individual is suffering from Central Vertigo, the controlling of balance, equilibrium, and eye movements in the brainstem may be effected due to other metabolic or neurological problems.

It is important that if you exhibit sudden impairments in walking or experience moments of severe dizziness not caused by: something known to provoke dizziness, such as some medications, using alcohol, becoming dehydrated, or not having eaten recently, you should have your physician check it out.

Red flags to pay attention to:

• Blurred vision
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Spinning without changing position
• Weakness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Unable to walk straight
• Lightheadedness

When speaking with your physician at Atlanta ENT, as always, it is important to identify specific feelings and details about the occurrences to get to the core. If you are experiencing the symptoms above, call Atlanta ENT today to schedule an appointment.

Ramie A. Tritt, MD, President, Atlanta ENT