Vertigo can make you feel as though you or the room around you is spinning, even when you are standing or sitting still. Balance problems may also cause unsteadiness, light-headedness, blurred vision or difficulty walking.
Vertigo is a symptom rather than a disease itself. It may result from an inner-ear disorder, migraine, medication, circulation problem or neurological condition. People in Oviedo who experience recurring or unexplained dizziness should consider a medical evaluation to identify the cause.
Common Symptoms of Vertigo and Balance Disorders
Symptoms may appear suddenly or develop gradually. They can include:
- A spinning or tilting sensation
- Feeling unsteady while standing or walking
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Abnormal eye movements
- Ringing in the ears or hearing changes
- Difficulty concentrating
- Symptoms triggered by turning the head, lying down or getting out of bed
The vestibular system in the inner ear helps the brain understand head movement and maintain balance. Problems affecting this system may cause dizziness, vertigo and poor coordination.
What Causes Vertigo?
Inner-Ear Conditions
Many cases of vertigo originate in the inner ear. One common cause is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV. It usually causes brief spinning episodes when a person turns in bed, sits up, looks upward or changes head position.
Other possible inner-ear causes include:
- Vestibular neuritis
- Labyrinthitis
- Ménière’s disease
- Inner-ear inflammation or infection
- Age-related changes in the balance system
Neurological Causes
Vertigo and balance problems may sometimes be connected to the brain or nervous system. Possible neurological causes include:
- Vestibular migraine
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack
- Multiple sclerosis
- Previous head injury
- Certain movement or coordination disorders
Vestibular migraine can cause vertigo, motion sensitivity, nausea, unsteadiness and loss of balance, sometimes without a typical migraine headache.
When Should You See a Neurologist in Oviedo?
Consider scheduling a neurological evaluation when dizziness or vertigo:
- Keeps returning
- Lasts for an extended period
- Has no clear explanation
- Causes falls or difficulty walking
- Occurs with frequent headaches or migraines
- Is accompanied by numbness, weakness or vision changes
- Interferes with work, driving or everyday activities
- Continues despite treatment for an inner-ear condition
A neurologist can help determine whether the symptoms originate from the brain, nerves, inner ear or another medical condition.
How Are Vertigo and Balance Problems Evaluated?
The evaluation may begin with questions about when the symptoms started, how long they last and whether they are triggered by movement.
The doctor may assess:
- Walking and balance
- Eye movements
- Hearing changes
- Muscle strength and reflexes
- Coordination and sensation
- Head-position-related symptoms
Depending on the findings, additional testing may include hearing tests, vestibular testing, blood tests or brain imaging such as an MRI or CT scan. Vestibular testing examines how well the inner-ear balance system is functioning.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the cause. It may include:
- Repositioning exercises for BPPV
- Medication for nausea or severe dizziness
- Migraine treatment
- Vestibular rehabilitation
- Balance exercises and fall-prevention strategies
- Treatment of an underlying neurological or inner-ear disorder
Vestibular rehabilitation uses personalised exercises to reduce dizziness and improve balance, coordination and safe movement.
Warning Signs Requiring Immediate Care
Seek emergency medical attention when sudden vertigo or dizziness occurs with:
- Facial drooping
- Weakness or numbness on one side
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Sudden double vision or vision loss
- Severe difficulty walking
- Loss of balance or coordination
- A sudden, severe headache
- Confusion, fainting or loss of consciousness
These symptoms may indicate a stroke or another neurological emergency. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness and loss of balance or coordination are recognised warning signs of stroke.
Neurological Care for Vertigo in Oviedo
Recurring dizziness should not simply be accepted as part of ageing or treated without identifying its cause. Early evaluation can help determine whether the problem is related to the inner ear, migraines or another neurological condition.
For persistent vertigo, balance difficulties or unexplained dizziness, schedule an evaluation with a neurologist in Oviedo.
This article is intended for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
