Besides vertigo, other illnesses or conditions can produce symptoms that mimic the sensations of vertigo. For example, certain types of inner ear infections, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and Meniere’s disease can cause vertigo-like symptoms.
Additionally, some neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis, migraines, stroke, and tumors can cause vertigo-like symptoms. Anxiety and panic attacks can also feel like vertigo, as can some medications, such as antibiotics and anxiety medications.
In some cases, simple imbalances in the body, such as a calcium or electrolyte imbalance, can cause vertigo-like symptoms as well. A doctor should be consulted if vertigo-like symptoms persist.
Can vertigo symptoms be something else?
Yes, vertigo symptoms can be something else. Vertigo is a type of dizziness, a feeling of spinning or moving even though you are standing still. But vertigo can also be caused by other medical conditions, such as an inner ear infection, meniere’s disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and a brain tumor.
These medical conditions can all cause vertigo-like symptoms and are sometimes difficult to differentiate from true vertigo.
Therefore, it is important to get a proper diagnosis if you experience any of these symptoms, as the underlying cause may require medical attention. In some cases, false vertigo, which is caused by an eyesight problem or inflammation in the neck, can also produce similar symptoms; you may benefit from visiting an optometrist to get checked out.
Severe and sustained vertigo, however, is unlikely to be caused by anything other than inner ear dysfunction.
What disease can be mistaken for vertigo?
Several medical conditions can be mistakenly be associated with vertigo, including Meniere’s Disease, labyrinthitis, acoustic neuroma and vestibular migraines. Meniere’s Disease is caused by an increase in fluids in the inner ear and can cause vertigo and feeling of fullness in the ear.
Labyrinthitis is an inflammation of the inner ear caused by a virus and can cause dizziness, vertigo and loss of hearing. Acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous growth on the auditory nerves and is a rare condition which can cause vertigo and hearing loss.
Vestibular Migraines is a disorder caused by migraines and can cause vertigo, dizziness, sensitivity to light and sound as well as ringing in the ears. Other conditions that can mimic vertigo include Benign Positional Vertigo, Cardiovascular issues, Anemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency.
All of these conditions should be evaluated by a doctor in order to make an accurate diagnosis and receive proper treatment.
How do I know if my vertigo is neurological?
If you are experiencing vertigo, it is important to consult with a doctor to determine if the symptoms you are experiencing are due to a neurological disorder. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, they will likely need to conduct a physical and neurological exam, as well as review your medical history.
Your doctor may also recommend imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan to obtain a better idea of what is going on in your body. These procedures can help to rule out other possible causes of vertigo, such as inner ear infections, neurological or cardiovascular disorders, or vestibular neuritis.
Additionally, your doctor may perform a vestibular function test to identify imbalances in the inner ear. This can help determine whether any associated dizziness is caused by a neurological disorder or another condition entirely.
What can cause vertigo besides inner ear?
Vertigo can be caused by a variety of other factors beyond problems in the inner ear. These include problems with the brainstem or cerebellum, such as strokes or brain tumors, or cardiovascular problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or an aneurysm.
Additionally, a misalignment of the top two vertebrae in the neck (known as “cervical vertigo”) can be a common cause of vertigo-like symptoms that has nothing to do with the inner ear, although the exact nerve pathways at play in this condition are not yet entirely understood.
Brain infections, such as meningitis, can also cause vertigo, as well as eye issues such as cataracts or glaucoma. Other causes of vertigo may include mental health issues such as depression, anxiety or panic attacks, as well as side effects of various medications or substances such as alcohol.
Lastly, in rare cases vertigo can be triggered by severe, prolonged stress.
Is vertigo a symptom of brain tumor?
No, vertigo is generally not a symptom of brain tumor. However, dizziness can be a symptom of brain tumors, and vertigo is one type of dizziness. Vertigo is caused by a disturbance in the inner ear that affects balance and causes a false sensation of motion.
It can be caused by many conditions, including, for instance, an inner ear infection, an inflammation, drug side effects, and migraines. While brain tumors can cause a wide range of symptoms, it’s usually not one of them.
Depending on the type of tumor, brain tumor symptoms could include headache, drunkenness, loss of muscle coordination, and changes in mental ability, sight, smell, or hearing. However, the most common symptom is a seizure.
If you are experiencing vertigo, or any other symptom or concern, it’s best to see your doctor for evaluation.
Does a brain MRI show vertigo?
No, a brain MRI typically does not show vertigo, as it is not a physical issue with the brain itself. Vertigo is a type of dizziness, or feeling the sensation of spinning or the environment spinning around the person.
It is typically caused by complications of the inner ear or by imbalances of the inner ear fluids, and while it can be related to the brain, typically it cannot be seen in a brain MRI. A brain MRI may be done to help rule out any other conditions that could be causing the vertigo such as fluid buildup, inflammation, tumors, or stroke damage, but a brain MRI does not definitively diagnose vertigo.
To diagnose vertigo, a doctor may order a physical examination, blood tests, hearing tests, balance tests, and other imaging tests such as an MRI of the inner ear.
Should I see an ENT or neurologist for vertigo?
The answer to whether you should see an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist or a neurologist for vertigo depends on your specific symptoms and medical history. If you have persistent symptoms of vertigo including dizziness, lightheadedness and a spinning sensation, it is recommended that you visit a doctor as soon as possible.
To determine the best course of treatment, your doctor will likely perform a physical exam and collect a detailed medical history. Depending on the initial findings, they may refer you to either an ENT or a neurologist for further evaluation.
Generally speaking, an ENT is best suited to diagnose and treat problems within the ear, such as infection or sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which can be a cause of vertigo. A neurologist has a greater focus on the nervous system, and can best diagnose neurological disorders which may be causing the vertigo.
The best advisor to determine which specialist to visit is your primary care doctor. They will be able to assess your individual situation and make a recommendation as to the best course of action.
Can neurological problems cause vertigo?
Yes, neurological problems can cause vertigo. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that can be caused by a variety of causes including disorders of the inner ear, the brain, and the nerves that connect them.
These can include trauma, infections, problems in the muscle or joint, drugs, or any other cause that may affect signals to the brain from the inner ear and the body’s balance organs. The exact cause of vertigo is often hard to determine, and neurological problems, such as migraines, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, can all contribute to symptoms of vertigo in some cases.
Head and neck trauma can cause vertigo by damaging the inner ear and its connection to the brain, as can a stroke or a tumor in the brain. Neurological conditions like migraines, multiple sclerosis, and tumors may cause vertigo if they affect the brain’s response to the signals from the inner ear or the balance organs.
The balance organs may also be affected by drugs, infections, diseases, and other conditions that can cause vertigo.
How can you tell different types of vertigo?
For example, if the vertigo is accompanied by unexplained hearing loss, then it may suggest Meniere’s disease. To determine this, additional tests such as hearing tests, an MRI, CT scan, or a lab test to measure levels of endolymphatic fluid will be necessary.
If the vertigo is accompanied by nausea and vomiting, then it may indicate vestibular neuritis, which is inflammation of the vestibular nerve in the inner ear. This can be diagnosed using an MRI, CT scan, or lab tests to measure the size of the vestibular nerve.
If the vertigo is accompanied by sudden head or body movements, then it may be indicative of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This type is diagnosed using the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, which involves 2 head and body movement tests.
Finally, if vertigo progresses over time or is worse at certain times of day, then it may be due to migraine-associated vertigo. To confirm this diagnosis, a doctor may do a physical exam, neurological assessment, blood tests, and additional tests such as an MRI, CT scan, or spinal tap.
What tests does a neurologist do for dizziness?
A neurologist may perform a range of tests to evaluate dizziness, depending on the suspected underlying cause. These tests may include a physical examination, and the neurologist may also check the patient’s hearing, balance, and vision.
The neurologist may additionally conduct sophisticated tests, such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in the brain, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to observe any changes in brain structure, audiology tests to examine hearing and inner ear functions, a vestibular test to assess the patient’s balance, and a posturography evaluation to determine how the patient retrieves information with the help of their eyes, ears, and even feet and legs.
With the help of all these tests, the neurologist may diagnose the cause of dizziness and recommend appropriate treatment.
Can a brain tumor mimic vertigo?
Yes, a brain tumor can mimic vertigo, though it is rare. Vertigo is characterized by a feeling of dizziness, spinning, or loss of balance. While it can be caused by inner ear issues, it can also be a sign of a brain tumor.
As the tumor grows, it can put pressure on the cerebellum or brain stem, which can cause vertigo, as well as other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, trouble speaking, difficulty walking or standing, and headaches.
If left untreated, a brain tumor can eventually cause long-term damage. That is why it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional if you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with vertigo.
How do you know it’s vertigo and not something else?
The best way to determine if your symptoms are due to vertigo or some other condition is to talk to your doctor and get an evaluation. A thorough physical exam and medical history will help your doctor pinpoint the exact cause of your symptoms.
Your doctor may also use special tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scanning, or electronystagmography (ENG) to diagnose vertigo. ENG involves specific test maneuvers to detect and diagnose specific types of vestibular (inner ear) disorders.
In some cases, your doctor may also request blood tests to rule out other possible causes of vertigo. Finally, your doctor may refer you to an audiologist or otolaryngologist (ENT) for hearing tests or a neuro-otologic evaluation.
Depending on your condition, other tests may also be recommended, such as balance tests or posturography.
What will a neurologist do for vertigo?
A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating diseases and disorders that affect the brain, spine and nervous system. For vertigo, they will typically conduct a physical and neurological examination in order to identify the cause, which can range from inner ear problems to stroke to other neurological conditions.
The neurologist may also use imaging, such as an MRI or CT scan, to have a better view of the structures in the brain to identify the source of the vertigo. Depending on the results of this examination and imaging, the neurologist will determine the best course of treatment.
This can include medication to address any underlying medical condition, as well as physical therapy, such as vestibular rehabilitation and balance exercises, to address the vertigo itself. In some cases, surgery may be recommended.
However, this is rarely necessary. The neurologist may also refer the patient to other specialists for further evaluation and treatments, such as an audiologist or an otolaryngologist.
What besides vertigo causes dizziness?
Dizziness is a symptom that often has multiple possible causes. Many of these causes are treatable, and treatment can reduce or eliminate the feeling of dizziness. Besides vertigo, some other possible causes of dizziness include hypotension (low blood pressure), dehydration, heat exhaustion, medications, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), anemia, stress or anxiety, inner ear infections, heart arrhythmias, or a head injury or concussion.
In rare cases, dizziness can be caused by brain stem stroke, Meniere’s syndrome, or a tumor. Proper diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause of dizziness can help relieve the symptom.