Vertigo Treatment

Vertigo can significantly affect the quality of life, hindering daily activities and causing discomfort. The causes can be varied, ranging from inner ear issues to stress or more serious medical conditions. At Dr Prlja Medical in Belgrade, we provide expert diagnostics and vertigo treatment tailored to each patient’s needs. Our team of doctors uses modern methods to identify the cause and help you enjoy everyday life again without any difficulties. Contact us and start your journey toward better health today!

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is a feeling of loss of balance or the illusion of movement, even when the body is not moving. People often describe it as a sensation of spinning, instability, or unsteadiness while standing or walking. It can be accompanied by nausea, sweating, weakness, or blurred vision.

Vertigo is not considered a disease but a symptom indicating various health problems. Sometimes, it can be temporary and harmless, but in some cases, it may signal a more serious condition that requires medical attention.

Causes of vertigo

Vertigo can occur for various reasons, and the most common causes include:

• Inner ear disorders: Problems with the inner ear, such as BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo), vestibular neuritis (inflammation of the vestibular nerve), or Meniere’s disease, can cause a sensation of spinning or loss of balance.
• Circulatory problems: Reduced blood flow to the brain, which can be due to low blood pressure, heart issues, or atherosclerosis, often leads to vertigo.
• Migraines: Some forms of migraines are associated with episodes of vertigo, even without severe headaches.
• Neck problems: Degenerative changes in the spine, such as cervical spondylosis, can affect blood flow to the brain and cause vertigo.
• Stress and anxiety: Psychological factors, such as panic attacks or chronic anxiety, often cause a feeling of faintness or instability.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as those for blood pressure, sedatives, or antibiotics, may have vertigo as an adverse effect.
• Neurology: Neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis or brain tumors can cause persistent or intermittent vertigo.
• Dehydration and exhaustion: A lack of fluids or insufficient food intake can cause a drop in blood pressure and lead to vertigo.

Who diagnoses and treats vertigo?

If you have symptoms such as vertigo, dizziness, swaying, instability, or fainting, the first step is to consult your doctor. Based on the examination and description of your symptoms, your doctor will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

• ENT specialist – If it is suspected that vertigo is caused by a disorder of the inner ear and the vestibular system.
• Neurologist – If there is a possibility that the symptoms are due to issues in the brain or central nervous system.
• Internist – If it is presumed that vertigo is caused by heart, blood vessel, or metabolic disorders.

Depending on the findings, specialists may recommend additional consultations with an ophthalmologist, physiotherapist, or psychiatrist to establish an accurate diagnosis.

Types of vertigo treated by ENT specialists.

In otorhinolaryngology, vertigo is generally divided into peripheral and central types. Our focus is on peripheral vertigo, which originates from disorders of the inner ear—the primary center for balance.

The most common types of peripheral vertigo include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) – The most common form of vertigo caused by a disorder in the inner ear’s semicircular canals. It is characterized by short episodes of vertigo triggered by changes in head position.
• Meniere’s disease – A chronic inner ear condition that, in addition to vertigo, can cause ear ringing (tinnitus) and hearing loss.
• Vestibular neuritis – Inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often caused by a viral infection, which leads to sudden and intense vertigo.
• Labyrinthitis – An inflammatory process in the inner ear that can cause severe vertigo accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Vestibular migraines – Although migraines are a neurological condition, they often trigger vertigo associated with the vestibular system.

How do we diagnose vertigo at Dr Prlja Medical?

At Dr Prlja Medical, we use modern diagnostic methods to determine the cause of vertigo precisely and assess whether the disorder is related to the inner ear. An ENT examination is a key step in diagnosing vestibular disorders, as the inner ear is the main center for balance.

The ENT examination for vertigo includes:

• Detailed discussion and analysis of symptoms: A thorough medical history helps us determine the vertigo’s duration, frequency, and nature.
• General ENT examination: An examination of the ears, nose, and throat is performed to rule out infections and other ENT issues that may contribute to vertigo.
• Audiological tests:
  • Pure tone audiometry: An assessment of hearing, especially if there is a suspicion of Meniere’s disease or other vestibular disorders.
  • Tympanometry: An evaluation of the middle ear’s condition and the function of the eardrum.

• Vestibular testing:
  • Caloric test: A standard test for evaluating the function of the inner ear’s balance center. Cold and warm water are introduced into the ear canal to induce eye movements (nystagmus), which indicate the condition of the vestibular system.
  • Nystagmography (VNG): Recording and analysis of involuntary eye movements that indicate a balance disorder.
  • Positional and balance tests: Tests such as the Dix-Hallpike maneuver help diagnose benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).

Based on the findings of the ENT examination, we can determine further diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. If there is a suspicion of neurological or cardiac causes of vertigo, the patient is referred for additional examinations.

Treatment of vertigo

Treatment of vertigo depends on its cause. In the case of inner ear disorders, we approach therapy through:

• Medications: They alleviate vertigo, improve circulation, and reduce nausea.
• Vestibular rehabilitation: Exercises to reestablish balance.
• Special maneuvers: For BPPV, we perform the Epley maneuver to reposition the crystals in the inner ear.
• Dietary measures: In cases of Meniere’s disease, salt and caffeine intake is reduced.

At Dr Prlja Medical, we use the most effective methods to help patients regain their balance and enjoy daily activities without difficulties. If you are experiencing vertigo, contact us – together, we will find the best solution for you!

Restore stability to your life with Dr Prlja Medical

Every case of vertigo has its cause, and our experience and technology help us accurately identify and successfully treat it. At Dr Prlja Medical in Belgrade, we approach every patient with special care, offering solutions tailored to your needs. Treating vertigo requires a professional and individualized approach, and our team is here to help you every step of the way. Don’t wait for the symptoms to worsen – contact us and restore stability to your life!