Is the world spinning or is it just you?
If you’ve ever stood still and felt like the ground was shifting beneath your feet, you’re not alone. Millions silently suffer from vertigo, mistaking it for “just dizziness” while the real cause remains untreated. But what if that unsettling sensation is a signal from your body that something deeper is wrong?
Scroll down to discover the vertigo causes, symptoms, and the best vertigo treatments available . Your balance starts here-
What is Vertigo?
Vertigo is a particular type of dizziness which is generally characterized by a sensation of spinning, tilting, or swaying, even when you’re not moving.It generally arises from disturbances in the inner ear or the brain, which predominantly controls our sense of balance. However, It is not a disease in itself rather a symptom of an underlying disease.
Let us now inspect if you need a vertigo test in India.
Types of Vertigo
There are chiefly two types of vertigo-
Peripheral vertigo
This one is the most common type of Vertigo generally experienced by patients. It is caused by disturbances in the inner eye or vestibular nerve. It’s often triggered by:
- Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Ménière’s Disease
- Vestibular Neuritis
- Labyrinthitis
Central Vertigo
Although, less common, it occurs because of brain or neurological disorders such as
- Migraines
- Stroke
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Trauma
Individuals suffering from Central vertigo generally have more severe symptoms such as difficulty walking or severe instability. Here, at the best vertigo clinic in Kolkata, both types can be accurately identified using modern diagnostic tools, including specialized vertigo tests in India.
Other Names For Vertigo
- Spinning sensation,
- Balance Disorder,
- Dizziness,
- Lightheadedness
Note: While often used interchangeably, vertigo is a distinct condition involving a false sense of movement, unlike general dizziness.
What Are The Causes Of Vertigo?
Vertigo causes generally include-
- Inner ear disorders
- Migraines
- Low blood pressure
- Medication side effects
- Head trauma
- Viral infections (like labyrinthitis)
- Neurological conditions
One of the most common vertigo causes is generally Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). This inner ear issue happens when tiny calcium crystals move from their usual spot to the inner ear. This disrupts the signals to the brain about head and body movement, causing balance problems.
Vertigo is also a common symptom of Meniere’s disease. This is an inner ear disorder possibly triggered by fluid buildup and pressure changes. This can lead to episodes of intense vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.
A full vertigo test in India can determine the exact cause if you are experiencing vertigo symptoms.
Do You Experience Vertigo?
Our vertigo specialist in Kolkata will be available to help you if you are experiencing
- A spinning or swaying sensation
- Loss of balance or unsteadiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headaches
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Ear fullness or pressure
- Nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movement)
- Sweating
These are some of the most common vertigo symptoms. If these symptoms persist or interfere with daily life, you may be experiencing chronic vertigo and should consult a vertigo doctor.
These vertigo symptoms sound familiar!
Many of us fail to understand these symptoms and confuse them with general dizziness caused by weakness or some other neurological condition. However, balance disorders like vertigo primarily originate from issues within the inner ear.
Let’s attempt to make it easier for you to understand- That little bit inside your ear has all these bits and pieces that tell your brain which way’s up and if you’re moving. If something messes with that, like tiny stuff moving around or too much liquid, then your brain gets all the wrong messages. And that’s when you feel all dizzy and wobbly.
And if that is what is happening to you then you might visit an otologist, basically an ENT doctor. Again, it is important to understand here that the doctor you need in this situation is a neurotologist.
But what’s the difference between an otologist and neurotologist?
An otologist is a doctor who really focuses on ear problems – things like hearing loss, balance issues, and infections. Now, neurotology is like a more specialized area within otology. Neurotologists look at how the nerves and brain parts connect to hearing and balance. They deal with conditions affecting the inner ear, the nerve that carries sound, and the base of the skull.
How to find a neurotologist in Kolkata?
Don’t worry, we have got you covered.
Meet Dr. Anirban Biswas – Leading Vertigo Specialist in Kolkata
When looking for a trusted doctor for vertigo, Dr. Anirban Biswas is a renowned name in the field of neurotology and vestibular disorders. With years of clinical expertise, Dr. Biswas offers a comprehensive approach to treating both central and peripheral vertigo. To say the least, If you think you have got vertigo then he is the best vertigo doctor in Kolkata.
Treatment For Vertigo
For the diagnosis, the doctor has to perform a number of tests. Once it is diagnosed, your vertigo treatment will start which varies according to your condition.An effective vertigo treatment starts with understanding the underlying cause. At the best vertigo clinic in Kolkata, under the expert guidance of Dr. Anirban Biswas, the treatment is tailored to your specific condition, whether it’s peripheral vertigo like BPPV or a more complex neurological issue.
Here’s a breakdown of the most effective and widely used treatments:
- Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (Epley Maneuver)– Best for: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
- Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) – Best for: Recurrent vertigo, vestibular neuritis, post-stroke dizziness
- Medications for Vertigo Relief – Used for: Symptom control during severe vertigo attacks
Vertigo Vs Dizziness
Vertigo and dizziness are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings:
Dizziness
- A general term describing a range of sensations, including lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or feeling faint.
- Can be caused by various factors, such as dehydration, medication side effects, or inner ear problems.
Vertigo
- A specific type of dizziness characterized by a spinning or rotating sensation.
- Often caused by inner ear problems, such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or vestibular migraines.
Key differences:
- Sensation: Vertigo involves a spinning or rotating sensation, while dizziness is more general.
- Causes: Vertigo is often related to inner ear issues, while dizziness can have various causes.
Checklist: How to Prevent Vertigo
Here’s a list for you to check if you are suffering from vertigo –
- Avoid sudden head movements
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated
- Manage stress through yoga or meditation
- Stay hydrated
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
- Get regular check-ups for ear health
- Follow your doctor’s advice if you’ve had vertigo before
When To Contact Us
If you:
- Experience sudden, intense vertigo
- Have frequent episodes interfering with work or sleep
- Suffer from hearing loss, double vision, or slurred speech
- Feel unsteady while walking
Ready to Take Control of Your Balance?
If vertigo is disrupting your life, don’t let it go unchecked. Our clinic is here to help you with diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. Book a consultation today and say goodbye to the spin!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
a. What does a vertigo attack feel like?
A sudden spinning or tilting sensation even when you’re still, often accompanied by nausea and difficulty maintaining balance.
b. How long does vertigo last?
It varies. BPPV may last seconds to minutes. Other types like Ménière’s disease can last hours or even days.
c. Is it curable?
Yes, especially peripheral vertigo. With correct diagnosis and treatment, many people fully recover.
d. Is vertigo hereditary?
Some types, like Ménière’s disease or vestibular migraines, may have a genetic component.