Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, and it’s often associated with issues in the inner ear, brain, or sensory systems. It is a symptom of a broader medical condition, rather than a disease in itself. As a Balance Disorder Specialist in Dhaka, I, Dr. Sajib Saha, understand the significant impact that vertigo can have on a person’s quality of life. Whether it’s caused by benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or other inner ear problems, seeking the right treatment is crucial for effective recovery.
In this blog, we will take you through the process of ENT vertigo treatment and help you understand what to expect during your visit to our clinic, Dr. Sajib Saha.
What is Vertigo and Why Should You Seek Treatment?
Vertigo is a specific type of dizziness where the individual feels like they or their surroundings are moving or spinning. It’s often caused by a malfunction in the vestibular system, which controls balance. Some of the common causes of vertigo include:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Meniere’s Disease
- Vestibular Neuritis
- Labyrinthitis
- Migraines
- Acoustic Neuroma
People suffering from vertigo may experience symptoms such as:
- Spinning sensations
- Lightheadedness
- Nausea
- Balance problems
- Difficulty walking or standing
If you are experiencing persistent dizziness or balance issues, it is important to consult an expert in balance disorders, such as an ENT specialist or balance disorder specialist. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan are essential to manage vertigo effectively and improve your quality of life.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation at Our Clinic
When you visit Dr. Sajib Saha for the first time, the first step in the vertigo treatment process is a thorough consultation. During this initial visit, we will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatments you may have received.
Medical History and Symptoms Discussion
Our doctor, Dr. Sajib Saha, will start by asking you about:
- The nature of your vertigo: Does it feel like spinning or lightheadedness? How long do the episodes last?
- The frequency of the episodes: Is vertigo happening intermittently, or is it constant?
- Triggers: Are there any particular activities, positions, or events that bring on vertigo, such as lying down, turning your head, or standing up quickly?
- Associated symptoms: Do you experience hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), nausea, or vomiting?
- Past medical conditions: Do you have any history of ear infections, head trauma, or neurological issues?
This detailed history helps our specialists understand the potential causes of your vertigo.
Physical Examination
Following the medical history, our specialist will perform a physical examination. This may include:
- Balance Tests: You may be asked to perform certain movements to test your balance, such as standing with your eyes closed or walking in a straight line.
- Eye Movement Tests: Vertigo is often associated with abnormal eye movements. Our doctor will check for signs of nystagmus (involuntary eye movements) which may indicate an issue with the inner ear or vestibular system.
The results from the consultation and physical examination guide us in determining the most appropriate diagnostic tests and treatment options.
Step 2: Diagnostic Tests for Vertigo
Once your symptoms and medical history are discussed, the next step is to undergo diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of your vertigo. At Dr. Sajib Saha, we offer a range of advanced diagnostic techniques that may include:
Vestibular Function Tests
These tests help assess the functionality of your inner ear (vestibular system). Common tests include:
- Electronystagmography (ENG): This test records involuntary eye movements (nystagmus) in response to different stimuli, helping us diagnose inner ear disorders.
- Videonystagmography (VNG): Similar to ENG, but with the addition of video cameras to monitor eye movements more closely.
Audiometry
Audiometry tests your hearing ability. Since vertigo is often linked to hearing problems, we use these tests to assess whether there’s any damage to your auditory system.
MRI or CT Scan
In some cases, we may recommend imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to rule out conditions such as tumors, strokes, or other neurological causes of vertigo.
Blood Tests
Blood tests may be performed to rule out infections, inflammation, or other systemic conditions that could be causing vertigo.
These diagnostic procedures are crucial for identifying the exact cause of your vertigo, which allows us to tailor a personalized treatment plan for you.
Step 3: Personalized Treatment Plan for Vertigo
Once the diagnosis is complete, Dr. Sajib Saha will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan. Depending on the cause of your vertigo, treatment options may include:
Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation
For many patients, vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is an essential component of treatment. This type of physical therapy is designed to help your brain adapt to the changes in your inner ear and improve balance. VRT typically involves exercises that challenge your balance and help retrain your brain to compensate for the inner ear dysfunction.
Medications
In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms. These may include:
- Antihistamines: To reduce dizziness
- Anti-nausea medications: To control nausea and vomiting
- Diuretics: For conditions like Meniere’s disease
- Steroids: For inflammation-related vertigo
Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (for BPPV)
If your vertigo is caused by BPPV, we may perform a procedure called Canalith Repositioning Maneuver (e.g., Epley maneuver). This involves moving your head in specific directions to help dislodge the particles causing vertigo.
Surgery
In rare cases, surgery may be required to treat vertigo, especially if it is caused by structural problems in the inner ear or a tumor. For example, a procedure called labyrinthectomy or vestibular nerve section may be considered if other treatments are ineffective.
Step 4: Lifestyle and Home Management Tips
In addition to medical treatment, Dr. Sajib Saha may provide you with lifestyle tips and home exercises to help manage your vertigo symptoms. Some of these recommendations may include:
- Avoiding sudden head movements
- Keeping hydrated
- Practicing balance exercises at home
- Using assistive devices like walking canes or grab bars
It’s also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle by avoiding triggers, managing stress, and ensuring you get adequate rest to help your body heal.
Step 5: Follow-Up Care and Monitoring
Vertigo treatment is an ongoing process. After your initial treatment plan is in place, you will need to attend follow-up visits at Dr. Sajib Saha to monitor your progress. During these visits, we’ll assess whether your symptoms are improving, discuss any side effects from treatments, and adjust your plan if necessary.
In some cases, vertigo symptoms may return or change over time, so it’s essential to keep in touch with your specialist for continuous monitoring and care.
Why Choose Dr. Sajib Saha for Vertigo Treatment?
As a leading Balance Disorder Specialist in Dhaka, Dr. Sajib Saha provides personalized care to individuals suffering from vertigo and other balance disorders. At Dr. Sajib Saha, we offer the latest diagnostic tools, comprehensive treatments, and a holistic approach to vertigo management.
Contact Us
If you’re struggling with vertigo or balance issues, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Contact us today for a consultation at Dr. Sajib Saha. We are here to help you regain your balance and live a healthier, more active life.
- Clinic Address: 3rd Floor, Concept Tower Panthapath Signal, Dhaka.
- Phone: 01915 88 66 55
- Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
Vertigo is a complex condition, but with the right diagnosis and treatment plan, it’s possible to manage and even eliminate symptoms. At Dr. Sajib Saha, and our team of specialists are committed to helping you understand your vertigo and providing effective treatment solutions. Whether you require vestibular rehabilitation, medications, or more advanced treatments, we will guide you every step of the way to ensure a healthier, more balanced life.