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 Vertigo?
Vertigo is a sensation that the world is spinning around even when there’s movement or motion involved. There are generally two types of vertigo – peripheral and central vertigo. Both central and peripheral vertigo cause symptoms of dizziness, nausea and vomiting, and greater susceptibility to injury.
However, unlike benign positional vertigo (or peripheral vertigo) which is caused by problems with the inner ear, central vertigo may be caused by a loss or change in blood flow to the central vestibular areas of the brain (near the brain stem). This lapse in blood flow can be caused by certain health concerns (such as blood vessel disease) or injuries to the brain or vestibular nerve. This can include things like head injury, migraines, strokes, peripheral vestibular disorders, or infections. Unlike peripheral vertigo or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), central vertigo can be more intense and last for longer.
What are Symptoms of Central Vertigo?
Central vertigo can cause symptoms such as:
- Unwanted eye movements
- Headaches
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Problems swallowing
Most often, symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo occur when moving around. With peripheral vertigo, symptoms occur at any time, including while lying in bed or being completely stationary. For many people, this spinning sensation can even cause nausea and vomiting.
Why is Central Vertigo 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 vertigo 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 vertigo 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?
What are the symptoms of central vertigo?
How is central dizziness treated?
Does central dizziness go away on its own?
Is central dizziness a symptom of something else?
What is central dizziness?
Is vertigo treatable?
When should you worry about vertigo?
How do you know if you have central vertigo?
What does central dizziness feel like?
Can anxiety cause central dizziness?
Does central dizziness affect your balance?
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What is the most common cause of central dizziness?
How do you treat central dizziness?
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) 784-6125 or filling out our online form.