Understanding Dizziness and Vertigo: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options in Vernon Hills IL

Wrestling with dizziness and vertigo in Vernon Hills IL? Dizziness and vertigo are two common complaints that often interfere with balance, stability, and quality of life. While they are sometimes used interchangeably, they refer to different sensations:

• Dizziness is a general feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or disorientation.
• Vertigo, on the other hand, is the specific sensation that you or your environment is spinning or moving, even when you're standing still.

Both symptoms may stem from a variety of causes, including inner ear dysfunction, vestibular nerve irritation, neurological conditions, or blood pressure and circulation issues. Determining the cause is key to effective treatment.

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What Symptoms Do Patients Typically Experience?

People experiencing dizziness or vertigo often describe one or more of the following:

• A spinning or swaying sensation (especially when changing positions)
• Feeling off-balance or like the ground is moving beneath them
• Lightheadedness or floating feeling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
• Difficulty walking or standing upright
• Sensitivity to motion or busy environments
• In some cases, hearing loss, ear fullness, or ringing in the ears (especially with Meniere’s disease)

These symptoms may come on suddenly or develop gradually, and they can range from mild to severely disabling. They often worsen with head movements, standing up, or walking.

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What Causes Dizziness and Vertigo?

There are many potential causes of dizziness and vertigo. Some of the most common include:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) – caused by small calcium crystals (otoconia) that become dislodged in the inner ear
• Vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis – inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often following a viral infection
• Meniere’s disease – a chronic inner ear disorder involving fluid imbalance
• Vestibular migraine – migraines that affect balance and perception, even without a headache
• Orthostatic hypotension – sudden drops in blood pressure when standing
• Anxiety or panic attacks – which can trigger lightheadedness or a floating feeling
• Medication side effects, dehydration, or cardiovascular issues

A comprehensive evaluation is necessary to pinpoint the cause and guide the appropriate course of treatment.

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How Is Dizziness or Vertigo Diagnosed in Vernon Hills IL?

Diagnosis typically involves:

• A detailed medical history and symptom description
• A neurological and vestibular examination
• Positional testing (such as the Dix-Hallpike test for BPPV)
• In some cases, audiometry, balance testing, or imaging studies (MRI or CT) may be recommended

Your provider may refer you to a physical therapist or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist depending on the suspected cause.

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Treatment Options for Dizziness and Vertigo

Treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis. In many cases, conservative, non-invasive therapies are highly effective.

Common Treatments Include:

1. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

A specialized form of physical therapy that includes:

• Balance training
• Gaze stabilization exercises
• Habituation exercises to reduce sensitivity to motion

VRT helps the brain adapt to inner ear dysfunction and is often used for chronic dizziness, BPPV, or vestibular neuritis.

2. Canalith Repositioning Maneuvers (e.g., Epley maneuver)

These manual techniques are used to treat BPPV by moving the dislodged crystals back to their correct location in the inner ear.

3. Medication (when needed)

In certain cases, medications may be used to reduce symptoms:

• Vestibular suppressants (e.g., meclizine or diazepam)
• Anti-nausea drugs (e.g., ondansetron)
• Diuretics (for fluid control in Meniere’s disease)
• Migraine medications (for vestibular migraine)

4. Lifestyle Adjustments & Patient Education

• Staying well hydrated
• Avoiding sudden head movements
• Managing stress and sleep
• Fall prevention strategies
• Gradual reintroduction to movement and activity

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What Are the Benefits of These Treatments?

With accurate diagnosis and targeted care, most patients see significant improvements in both symptom frequency and severity. Benefits include:

• Reduced dizziness and vertigo episodes
• Improved balance and coordination
• Lower risk of falls and injury
• Restoration of normal daily activities
• Increased confidence in movement
• Improved emotional well-being and reduced anxiety

Early intervention with vestibular therapy can also help prevent symptoms from becoming chronic or disabling.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

If you're experiencing frequent dizziness, balance problems, or episodes of vertigo that interfere with your normal routine, don’t ignore the signs. These symptoms could indicate an underlying condition that requires medical evaluation.

At Integral Medical and Rehabilitation, we provide comprehensive assessments and personalized treatment plans for patients experiencing vertigo, dizziness, and balance disorders. Our goal is to help you move safely, confidently, and without discomfort.

Conditions We Commonly Treat:

• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis
• Meniere’s disease
• Balance disorders
• Post-concussion dizziness
• Vestibular migraine
• Gait instability related to inner ear disorders

Looking for vertigo treatment in Vernon Hills IL? Our team at Integral Medical and Rehabilitation specializes in vestibular rehabilitation and dizziness management for adults of all ages. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation.