Vertigo

Introduction: Why Vertigo Needs a Holistic Approach

Vertigo is a type of dizziness characterized by the sensation that either you or your surroundings are spinning. It can be disorienting and disruptive, affecting your ability to perform daily activities. Whether caused by an inner ear issue, vestibular disorders, or even stress, vertigo can stem from a variety of root causes. At Patients Medical in New York City, we focus on understanding and addressing these underlying causes through an integrative approach.

Rather than simply treating the symptoms of vertigo, our team works to restore balance and prevent recurrences by combining conventional medicine with holistic therapies. Our goal is to help you regain control of your health and improve your quality of life.

We treat the whole person—not just the symptoms.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a symptom of a variety of underlying conditions and is most commonly caused by disturbances in the inner ear or brain. It is often described as the feeling that the world around you is spinning or moving, even when you are standing still. Common causes of vertigo include:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): A condition where small crystals in the inner ear become dislodged, causing dizziness when changing head positions.
  • Meniere’s Disease: A disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
  • Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Inflammation of the inner ear or the nerve that connects the ear to the brain, often due to viral infections.
  • Migraines: Some individuals experience vertigo as a symptom of a migraine attack.
  • Neurological disorders: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis or stroke can affect balance and cause vertigo.
  • Dehydration or low blood pressure: These can cause lightheadedness and vertigo, especially when standing up quickly.

Regardless of the cause, vertigo can significantly impact your day-to-day activities, and effective treatment requires a comprehensive, individualized approach.

Common Symptoms of Vertigo

The most common symptoms of vertigo include:

Root Causes: Why Do You Experience Vertigo?

Functional medicine seeks to uncover the underlying causes of vertigo and address them in a personalized manner. Here are some common factors that may contribute to vertigo:

  • Inner ear disorders: Conditions such as BPPV, Meniere’s disease, or vestibular neuritis are common causes of vertigo.
  • Circulatory problems: Low blood pressure, dehydration, or issues with blood flow to the brain can cause dizziness and vertigo.
  • Neurotransmitter imbalances: Conditions like migraines or anxiety can affect brain chemistry, leading to dizziness and vertigo.
  • Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins B12, D, and magnesium can contribute to dizziness and balance issues.
  • Neurological disorders: Disorders like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease can affect the brain’s ability to coordinate balance.
  • Stress and anxiety: High stress levels can exacerbate vertigo symptoms by affecting both the inner ear and the nervous system.

By identifying and addressing these underlying causes, our goal is to reduce the frequency and intensity of vertigo episodes and improve overall health.

Diagnostic Testing We Use

To understand the causes of your vertigo, we employ a combination of diagnostic tests:

  • Vestibular testing: To assess the inner ear and balance system.
  • MRI or CT scans: To rule out any structural issues in the brain, such as a stroke or tumor.
  • Blood pressure monitoring: To identify any circulatory issues, such as low blood pressure or dehydration.
  • Thyroid function tests: To rule out thyroid imbalances that may contribute to dizziness.
  • Vitamin and mineral testing: To detect deficiencies that may affect balance and coordination.
  • Electronystagmography (ENG) or Videonystagmography (VNG): To evaluate eye movements and identify issues with the vestibular system.

Integrative Treatments for Presyncope

Nutritional Therapy

  • Hydration: Proper fluid intake is essential to prevent dehydration, which can exacerbate vertigo.
  • Magnesium-rich foods: Foods like leafy greens, nuts, and seeds can help improve circulation and reduce dizziness.
  • Vitamin B12: Supporting B12 levels with foods like meat, fish, eggs, and fortified cereals can help improve nerve function.
  • Anti-inflammatory diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can reduce inflammation and improve overall brain and nerve health.

Herbal & Nutraceutical Support

  • Ginkgo Biloba: Known for improving circulation and reducing dizziness.
  • Ginger: A natural remedy for nausea and dizziness associated with vertigo.
  • Magnesium and Vitamin D: To support nerve function and improve balance.
  • Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): To support energy production in cells and reduce vertigo-related fatigue.

IV Vitamin Therapy

  • Magnesium and B vitamins to promote nervous system health and reduce vertigo episodes.
  • Vitamin C and zinc to support immune function and reduce inflammation in the inner ear.
  • Electrolytes to restore hydration and prevent dehydration-related dizziness.

Stress Reduction and Mind-Body Therapies

  • Acupuncture: Helps regulate the body’s energy flow, reduce stress, and relieve vertigo symptoms.
  • Mindfulness and meditation to calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety-related dizziness.
  • Deep breathing exercises to promote relaxation and improve oxygen flow to the brain.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT)

  • Balance exercises to improve coordination and reduce dizziness.
  • Eye movement exercises to help your brain reprocess information from the inner ear.
  • Head positioning exercises to treat BPPV and reduce vertigo episodes.

Real Case Study: Susan’s Journey with Vertigo

Susan, a 50-year-old woman, experienced frequent episodes of dizziness and vertigo, particularly when she moved her head quickly. She had been diagnosed with BPPV but continued to experience recurring symptoms despite standard treatments.

After a thorough evaluation, we discovered that Susan had magnesium and B12 deficiencies, which were exacerbating her vertigo. We developed an integrative treatment plan that included:

  • A magnesium-rich, anti-inflammatory diet
  • IV therapy for nutrient replenishment
  • Vestibular rehabilitation therapy
  • Acupuncture for stress reduction

Six weeks later, Susan’s vertigo episodes decreased significantly, and her balance and energy levels improved.

Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Vertigo is commonly caused by inner ear disorders, neurological conditions, low blood pressure, and dehydration. Migraines and vestibular issues can also contribute.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of tests, including vestibular testing, blood pressure monitoring, and MRIs to identify the underlying cause of dizziness.

Yes, natural treatments such as dietary changes, magnesium supplementation, acupuncture, and vestibular rehabilitation therapy can help manage vertigo effectively.

Recovery time depends on the underlying cause and the treatment plan, but many patients experience significant improvement within 4-6 weeks.

In some cases, vertigo can be a sign of neurological or cardiovascular issues, so it is important to undergo a comprehensive evaluation.

Yes, IV therapy can quickly restore hydration, balance electrolytes, and provide essential nutrients to support nerve function and reduce vertigo symptoms.

Yes, high levels of stress and anxiety can worsen vertigo symptoms by affecting the nervous system and inner ear function.

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can help retrain your brain and improve balance, reducing dizziness and vertigo episodes.

Staying hydrated, managing stress, avoiding sudden head movements, and maintaining a balanced diet can help prevent vertigo episodes.

We are an out-of-network provider but offer superbills for reimbursement. Lab tests and certain treatments may be partially covered by insurance

Begin Your Journey with Patients Medical

Patients Medical specializes in gently helping the patient identify the root cause of their medical issues and then assist them to recover from their problems to help them move forward to good health.

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To schedule an in person on Tele-medicine appointment, please call our office at (212) 794-8800 or email us at info@PatientsMedical.com We look forward to hearing from you

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Patients Medical PC
1148 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1B New York, NY 10128

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