Vertigo

Overview

Vertigo is a condition that causes the sensation of spinning or dizziness, making it difficult to maintain balance and perform everyday activities. It’s more than just feeling lightheaded, vertigo can significantly impact your quality of life. At Cardiology Care NYC, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vertigo, ensuring you receive expert, compassionate care tailored to your needs.

Causes

Vertigo can arise from several underlying conditions, most commonly involving issues in the inner ear or nervous system. Common causes include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A result of calcium deposits in the inner ear disrupting balance signals.
• Meniere’s Disease: A disorder causing fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss.
• Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear or its nerves due to infection.
• Migraines: Certain migraines can trigger vertigo episodes without a headache.
• Head Injuries: Trauma to the head can impact the inner ear or brain, causing dizziness.

Our team of specialists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the root cause of your vertigo, ensuring accurate and effective treatment.

Diagnosis

At Cardiology Care NYC, we take a comprehensive, non-invasive approach to identifying the underlying cause of vertigo. Our diagnostic process includes:

Detailed Medical History & Physical Examination

We begin by discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, followed by tests to assess your balance, coordination, and neurological responses.

Cardiovascular Evaluations

Since vertigo can sometimes be linked to circulatory or heart conditions, we may recommend:

• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to assess your heart’s electrical activity and detect arrhythmias.
• Echocardiogram an ultrasound of your heart to evaluate its structure and function.
• Holter Monitor for continuous heart rhythm monitoring over 24–48 hours.
• Blood Pressure Screening to rule out dizziness caused by low or fluctuating blood pressure.
• Vascular Ultrasound and Doppler Ultrasound to assess blood flow to the brain, inner ear, and extremities.

Specialized Testing

• Videonystagmography (VNG) to track eye movements related to balance.
• Imaging tests (MRI or CT scans) may be recommended via referral to assess for neurological causes.

Expert Consultation

A cardiology consultation helps ensure a full cardiovascular workup when vertigo symptoms could be linked to circulation or heart issues.

This non-invasive, layered diagnostic process ensures accuracy and minimizes unnecessary procedures.

Treatment

Cardiology Care NYC specializes in non-surgical, evidence-based treatments to manage and relieve vertigo. Your treatment plan will depend on the specific cause of your symptoms and may include:

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

A custom program of balance and movement exercises that helps retrain your brain to adapt to inner ear imbalances and reduce dizziness.

Epley Maneuver

For patients diagnosed with Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), our team can perform the Epley maneuver, a guided head-positioning technique that repositions inner ear crystals to reduce symptoms.

Medications

We may prescribe non-surgical treatments such as:

• Antihistamines (e.g., meclizine)
• Anti-nausea medications
• Diuretics (especially for Meniere’s disease)

Lifestyle & Dietary Changes

Managing triggers can be key — for example:

• Reducing salt intake for Meniere’s Disease
• Avoiding caffeine or alcohol
• Staying well-hydrated and managing stress

Our team takes pride in offering personalized care plans, ensuring every patient receives targeted, non-invasive treatment to restore balance and improve daily life.

When to See a Doctor

While occasional dizziness may not be a cause for concern, you should see a specialist if:

• Your symptoms are persistent or worsening.
• You’re experiencing severe headaches, double vision, or difficulty speaking.
• Vertigo episodes are accompanied by hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
• Your balance issues are causing falls or injuries.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and restore your quality of life.