Neurologist for Vertigo
When you hear the word “neurologist,” your first impression might be it’s probably some crazy medical professional. But that’s not necessarily the case. A neurologist is a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing, treating, and managing diseases and conditions based on patterns of movement, energy, and brain function.
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a dizziness or feeling of spinning sensation in the brain. An imbalance in the inner ear can cause it, but it can also be caused by an imbalance between your brain and your body, resulting in injury. Recent studies have shown that there may be connections between neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Because of this, dizziness may become a symptom that must be considered when diagnosing these diseases. Some patients with dizziness have been found to have damage to their vestibular nuclei in the brain. If a patient has dizziness and vestibular nucleus damage, there is a greater chance for symptoms related to AD or PD.
Common Symptoms of Vertigo
If you or your child has any of the following symptoms, see a neurologist immediately to prevent further damage and treat the symptoms: Brain scans, such as CT scans or MRI scans, are often used in diagnosing dizziness because they can detect if there is an issue in the inner ear or elsewhere in the brain. Here are some other common symptoms:
- Dizziness when standing up from lying down or sitting upright
- Dizziness when turning head from side to side
- Dizziness after periods of rest
- Sensitivity to loud noise or vibrations
- Sensitivity to movement or changes in temperature
Why See a Neurologist
Frequent falls are also associated with dizziness. Falling frequently causes long-term damage, which causes more frequent falls in the future. Falling often leads to falling and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can cause dizziness, balance problems, and other issues like memory loss and hearing loss. This is especially dangerous for children and teenagers. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that pediatricians screen all children for balance disorders and dizziness.
Treatment
Treatment varies based on the type of dizziness a patient is experiencing. If a patient has dizziness caused by an inner ear problem, they may need to wear an earplug while they sleep or while sleeping, depending on the severity of their symptoms. If a patient has vestibular nucleus damage, they may need to take medications like Botox to help relieve symptoms for short periods.
Physical Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders or traumatic brain injury (TBI) associated with dizziness or balance problems can also assist in decreasing dizziness and balance issues related to anxiety disorders or TBIs caused by dizziness or balance problems. This therapy can help patients learn coping skills and strategies that will help them manage their anxiety and fear associated with falling and falling injuries. This therapy is called “Pivotal Response Treatment” (PRT). PRT is based on principles from CBT and incorporates elements from both CBT and behavioral therapy. It is a form of cognitive therapy that focuses on anxiety, depression, and PTSD. There are many different types of PRT, and therapists can help patients create a personalized treatment plan that incorporates the techniques they need to manage their dizziness and balance problems.
Contact us at Jeff Steinberg MD if you are experiencing Vertigo
Vertigo is a symptom that many different things can cause, some of which may not be urgent. One way to prevent dizziness and balance problems is to be aware of your surroundings and know when you may be experiencing dizziness or balance issues. If you feel that you are experiencing dizziness, it is essential to seek medical attention with our Neurologist Fort Lauderdale to prevent further damage.