People use the word “dizzy” to describe a lot of different sensations, from lightheadedness when they stand up too fast, to a spinning room that drops them to the floor. The distinction matters more than it might seem.
Vertigo is one specific type of dizziness, and identifying which type you’re experiencing helps Steven D. Kushnick, MD, zero in on the cause faster.
At our Brooklyn, New York, office, Dr. Kushnick evaluates patients dealing with vertigo, dizziness, and balance issues to pinpoint what’s behind the symptoms, so he can treat it effectively.
Dizziness is an umbrella term that covers several sensations, including lightheadedness, unsteadiness, feeling faint, and vertigo.
What sets vertigo apart is the sensation of movement. People with vertigo feel like they or their surroundings are spinning, tilting, or moving, when nothing actually is. Other forms of dizziness tend to involve feeling woozy, faint, or off-balance without this false sense of motion.
Most vertigo starts in the inner ear, where your body’s balance system is situated. When something disrupts that system, your brain receives conflicting signals about where your body is in space, and the result is that spinning sensation. Common causes include:
Less often, vertigo originates in the brain rather than the ear. Migraines, certain medications, and problems affecting the brainstem can all produce vertigo that needs a different diagnostic approach.
Dizziness that doesn’t involve spinning usually points away from the inner ear and toward other systems in the body. The causes range from minor and temporary, to chronic conditions that need closer attention:
Because dizziness can stem from so many sources, identifying the pattern around your symptoms helps narrow down where the origin of the problem lies.
The way your symptoms behave gives important clues about what’s behind them. A few patterns stand out when Dr. Kushnick conducts an evaluation:
Paying attention to what brings on your symptoms, how long they last, and what other signs accompany them gives Dr. Kushnick valuable information.
Dr. Kushnick starts by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and any patterns you’ve noticed when the dizziness strikes. From there, he may examine your ears, test your balance and eye movements, and check your hearing to determine whether the inner ear is involved.
Depending on what he finds, additional testing, such as hearing evaluations or imaging, may help confirm the cause.
Treatment depends entirely on what’s causing your symptoms. BPPV often responds to specific repositioning maneuvers that move displaced inner ear crystals back into position.
Inner ear infections and inflammation may require medication, while Ménière’s disease is manageable through dietary changes, medication, and sometimes procedures to reduce fluid buildup.
For dizziness tied to blood pressure, medication, or other systemic causes, addressing the underlying issue typically resolves the symptoms. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy, a type of physical therapy focused on balance, also helps many patients retrain their balance system.
Recurring vertigo or dizziness doesn’t have to disrupt your life, and identifying the cause is the first step toward relief. Call our Brooklyn, New York, office at 718-250-8520 today, or use our online booking tool to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Kushnick at your convenience.
