Vertigo is a feeling of spinning or spinning uncontrollably. It’s different for everyone, and there are many causes. Some people experience vertigo only occasionally, while others may be affected by the condition more often than they’d like. If you’re concerned about your vertigo symptoms, it’s important to get your vertigo diagnosed as soon as possible so that you can start taking the necessary steps to find relief from your condition.
Take a look at everything you need to know about getting your vertigo diagnosed including checking if you have vertigo as well as tips on how to talk to your doctor about getting treatment for your condition.
What Is Vertigo?
Vertigo is an uncommon, but very distressing, condition. In vertigo, you feel like you’re spinning or that you’re moving when you’re stationary. You may feel like you’re spinning clockwise or counter-clockwise, or you may feel like you’re rotating vertically. Vertigo can cause you to feel nauseated, dizzy, lightheaded, or faint. You may also experience a sense of constriction or fullness in your head, neck, or chest.
Is Vertigo Diagnosis Easier For Men Or Women?
Many factors can affect how easy it is to get a vertigo diagnosis by a vertigo specialist. The first is the type of vertigo you experience.
If you have certain types of vertigo, it may be harder to get diagnosed and treated. People who have benign paroxysmal vertigo of childhood (BPPV) are affected much more often, with up to 50% of people experiencing BPPV in their lifetime. Women are also twice as likely to experience migraines that are linked to vertigo, so if you have both conditions, getting a vertigo diagnosis can be much harder for you.
When To Get A Vertigo Diagnosis: Signs & Symptoms Of Vertigo
If you’ve had vertigo symptoms for more than two weeks, you should get a vertigo diagnosis. This rule also applies to people who experience vertigo only occasionally. If you’re having vertigo symptoms that go away soon after they start, they may be a symptom of another condition rather than vertigo.
If, however, you’ve had symptoms for longer than two weeks, and they’ve been severe enough to impact your quality of life, you should get a vertigo diagnosis.
How To Check If You Have Vertigo
There are a few ways you can check if you have vertigo or if someone you know has vertigo. You can have yourself examined by an ENT, or have your doctor check you for vertigo. You can also have your family members, friends, or loved ones get a doctor to take a look if you think they’re experiencing vertigo. It’s important that you can speak clearly and that they are willing to let a doctor examine them.
Vertigo Treatment Options: Drug Therapy
If you have vertigo symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend you start taking anti-dizzy drugs. There are many different types of anti-dizzy drugs and each one works differently, so you’ll want to find a doctor who can recommend the best treatment for you.
Surgery
If you haven’t been able to get relief from anti-dizziness drugs and surgery is an option for you. Surgery is usually recommended for people who have had vertigo symptoms for a long time and it’s only recommended for certain types of vertigo.
– Surgery is usually reserved for BPPV or DOUBTFUL VERTIGO. – This type of surgery is only recommended when drugs aren’t working.
– Surgery is also a good option for those who want to prevent their vertigo episodes in the future.
