Vertigo can be difficult and even sometimes scary to deal with. It causes a feeling of spinning or dizziness even when you’re sitting or laying down, making it hard to feel comfortable being active. Fortunately, vertigo can be treated with the right steps from your Doctor of Audiology, meaning you can get back to living your best life.

At NYHD, we understand that good balance means you can do the things you love most. With the latest in vertigo treatment options and therapies, we can create a customized treatment plan for you and your lifestyle.

What is Central Dizziness?

Vertigo is a feeling of spinning even when there’s movement or motion involved. Central dizziness, or central vertigo, is one type that is caused by a loss or change in blood flow to the central vestibular areas of the brain. This lapse in blood flow can be caused by certain health concerns or injuries to the brain. This can include things like head injuries, migraines, strokes, or infections. Unlike peripheral vertigo or BPPV, central dizziness can be more intense and last for longer. It can also cause associated symptoms like unwanted eye movements, headaches, weakness, nausea, and problems swallowing.

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Why is Central Dizziness Treatment Important?

Without treatment, central vertigo can have a very negative effect on your lifestyle and your wellbeing. It can make you prone to falls or injuries, as well as taking a large toll on your ability to be active and mobile. It’s important to find treatment for central vertigo with the help of your Doctor of Audiology because it’s often caused by serious health concerns. We can partner with you and your primary physician or healthcare team to make sure you’re receiving the care you need for central dizziness while also keeping an eye on the causes.

What Can I Expect at NYHD?

During an appointment with our Doctors of Audiology, we’ll discuss your symptoms and any possible causes for your central vertigo. This might also include some tests to determine your symptoms and what happens when you experience bouts of dizziness, like uncontrolled eye movements. Treatment for central dizziness can begin with some medications to help manage your symptoms and reduce any discomfort. It’s important to consult with a vascular-neurological specialist to determine the cause of your central vertigo so you can begin to treat the underlying conditions. One great option to manage your vertigo is through vestibular rehabilitation, and your Doctor of Audiology can recommend your best options during your appointment and refer you to the right specialist.

Central Dizziness FAQs

How is central vertigo different than other types of vertigo?

Central vertigo is caused by injury or loss of blood flow to the vestibular region of the brain. Other types of vertigo can be caused by inner ear dysfunction or infections.

What are the symptoms of central vertigo?

The main symptoms of central vertigo are a feeling of spinning, reeling, or moving. However, it can also include symptoms like weakness, facial paralysis, eye movements, difficulties seeing, and difficulty swallowing.

How is central dizziness treated?

Certain medications can achieve relief from vertigo symptoms, and your Doctor of Audiology can also various different therapies performed both at home and in office.

Does central dizziness go away on its own?

Bouts of central vertigo often come and go without warning, causing risks of falls or other injuries more likely in affected individuals. If you have experienced multiple episodes of vertigo, it's important to see a balance and hearing expert to diagnose and treat your central vertigo.

Is central dizziness a symptom of something else?

Generally speaking, yes, vertigo is a sensation that's caused by a certain condition in the inner ear or central nervous system.

What is central dizziness?

Also called central dizziness, this is a condition where you experience a false feeling of spinning or moving while remaining still. Its caused by a dysfunction of the central nervous system.

Is vertigo treatable?

Yes, there are many options for treating central dizziness and other forms of vertigo, including medication and vestibular rehabilitation.

When should you worry about vertigo?

You can see your doctor about any recurring, extended, or severe bouts of vertigo.

How do you know if you have central vertigo?

Generally, central vertigo is very debilitating and can impede your ability to move normally. You may also have symptoms like nausea but rarely any impact on your hearing ability.

What does central dizziness feel like?

Patients with central vertigo may experience hallucinations that their surroundings are moving, or they may feel like they are spinning when they are standing still.

Can anxiety cause central dizziness?

Anxiety can lead to temporary feelings of dizziness. When you feel anxious, your breathing changes causing shorter and more shallow breaths. This reduces the level of carbon dioxide in your blood, and throughout your body, leading to feelings of dizziness and lightheadedness. As you return to a calmer state, this dizziness should go away.

Does central dizziness affect your balance?

In severe cases, central dizziness can cause instability leading to problems with balance and walking.

Is central vertigo dangerous?

Central vertigo can be dangerous when it affects your ability to move normally (putting you at greater risk of falling). You should always see a Doctor of Audiology if you experience vertigo.

What is the most common cause of central dizziness?

Central dizziness is most commonly caused by a disease in the central nervous system. These diseases usually occur in the brain stem or the back part of the brain. Blood vessel diseases, certain drugs, alcohol, tumors, and migraines can also lead to central dizziness.

How do you treat central dizziness?

Certain physical and diet-based treatments have been shown to lead to improvement in patients experiencing central dizziness. These can include certain vestibular exercises and a low-salt diet. Intravenous hydration and medication can also help.

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Schedule a Consultation

Central vertigo can take a toll on your lifestyle, but our Doctors of Audiology are here to help. With the right treatment steps and vertigo therapies, you can manage your symptoms and get back to living your best life. To schedule an appointment with our team, we invite you to contact our New York City office by calling (212) 774-1971 or filling out our online form.