If you have ever felt like the room is spinning or that you are tilting when standing perfectly still, you have likely experienced vertigo. While many people dismiss it as "just a bit of dizziness," vertigo is a specific medical symptom that can significantly impact your quality of life and safety.
As a Consultant Neurologist in Vadgaon Budruk, Pune, I often see patients who have struggled with these symptoms for weeks without knowing that effective, specialized treatment is available. Understanding the root cause of your vertigo is the first step toward regaining your balance and confidence.
Vertigo is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying condition. It is the false sensation of movement—either you feel like you are moving or your surroundings are spinning around you.
While general "dizziness" might make you feel lightheaded or faint, vertigo specifically involves a vestibular (balance system) disturbance. It can last for a few seconds, several hours, or even days depending on the cause.
Broadly, vertigo is classified into two categories: Peripheral (related to the inner ear) and Central (related to the brain).
This is the most common cause. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals in your inner ear become dislodged and move into the ear canals. This sends false signals to your brain about your head’s position, causing brief but intense spinning when you turn your head or sit up.
This involves a buildup of fluid in the inner ear. It is often characterized by sudden attacks of vertigo, hearing loss, and a ringing sensation in the ears (tinnitus).
Many people do not realize that migraines can cause vertigo even without a severe headache. As a neurologist, I frequently diagnose this in patients who experience episodes of dizziness triggered by lights, sounds, or specific foods.
This is usually caused by a viral infection that inflames the nerves in the inner ear responsible for balance.
Vertigo can sometimes be a warning sign of a more serious neurological issue, such as a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or tumors in the brainstem. This is why a consultation with a neurologist is vital if symptoms are persistent.
The primary symptom of vertigo is the sensation of spinning. However, patients often report a range of associated issues:
Nausea and Vomiting: Triggered by the sensory mismatch in the brain.
Balance Problems: A feeling of being pulled to one side or an increased risk of falling.
Nystagmus: Abnormal, jerky eye movements.
Headaches: Often seen in vestibular migraines.
Fullness in the Ear: A "clogged" feeling often associated with Meniere’s disease.
When you visit our clinic in Vadgaon Budruk, Pune, we perform a comprehensive neurological evaluation. Diagnosis typically includes:
The Dix-Hallpike Maneuver: A physical test where I move your head in specific ways to see if it triggers vertigo and eye movements.
Imaging (MRI or CT Scans): To rule out central neurological causes like a stroke or brain tumor.
Vestibular Testing: To check the function of the inner ear.
The good news is that most cases of vertigo are highly treatable. Depending on your diagnosis, we may recommend:
For BPPV, the Epley Maneuver is exceptionally effective. By moving the head through a series of specific positions, we can "reset" the calcium crystals in your ear, often providing immediate relief.
This is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to strengthen the vestibular system. It involves exercises that help your brain "recalibrate" and compensate for balance issues.
In acute cases, we may prescribe vestibular suppressants or anti-nausea medications to manage severe symptoms. If the cause is a vestibular migraine, specific preventative medications can be life-changing.
Reducing salt intake (for Meniere's) and managing stress or sleep patterns (for migraines) can significantly reduce the frequency of attacks.
Vertigo can be complex, and a "one-size-fits-all" approach rarely works. As a Consultant Neurologist, I look beyond the ear to ensure there are no underlying brain-related issues causing your dizziness.
At Dr. Shingare's Paralysis & Neurocare Center in Vadgaon Budruk, we prioritize:
Accurate Diagnosis: Differentiating between ear-related and brain-related vertigo.
Personalized Care: Tailoring treatment to your specific triggers and lifestyle.
Advanced Expertise: Over 12 years of experience in managing complex neurological conditions.
Q: Can vertigo be a sign of a stroke? A: Yes, in some cases, sudden vertigo accompanied by slurred speech, double vision, or limb weakness can indicate a stroke. If you experience these "red flags," seek emergency medical care immediately.
Q: How long does vertigo usually last? A: If it is BPPV, it usually lasts seconds to minutes per episode. If it is vestibular neuritis, it can last for days. A proper diagnosis is needed to determine your specific timeline.
Q: Is vertigo curable? A: Most causes of vertigo are either curable (like BPPV) or highly manageable with the right neurological treatment and lifestyle changes.
Dr. Vilas Shingare is a highly regarded Consultant Neurologist based in Vadgaon Budruk, Pune. With advanced qualifications (MBBS, MD, DM in Neurology) and over 17 years of clinical experience, he specializes in treating stroke, epilepsy, migraines, and various vestibular disorders. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based neurocare to the Pune community.
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