The most common form dizziness concerned by a visit to an ENT is the paroxysmal positional vertigo benign. It is caused by a buildup of tiny crystals deep in the semicircular canals of the inner ear. During certain movements of the head, these concretions become blocked on only one side, sending inaccurate positional information to the brain.
Sometimes the attacks of dizziness are repeated and are accompanied by a momentary loss of hearing and ringing in the ear which make you think of tinnitus. These symptoms are very suggestive of Ménière’s disease, linked to a problem with pressure in the inner ear. 6% of dizziness is caused by this disease. The consultation with the ENT is essential to confirm the diagnosis.
To note : Was your vertigo so intense that you stayed in bed for several days? It was probably vestibular neuritis: damage to the inner ear causing inflammation of a branch of the auditory nerve. Sometimes it can be caused by a virus. Uncommon, this benign condition mostly affects young adults who generally recover well. However, it is better to consult.
How is the visit to the ENT?
After asking you to describe your dizziness, the doctor explores your inner ear. To confirm his diagnosis, he may have you do some tests: walk in place, take two steps forward then two steps back, stretch out your arms forward and stay that way for a few minutes with your eyes closed …
When the specialist detects a benign positional vertigo, he performs a maneuver: he rocks you on one side then the other in a particular way. This manipulation, which can also be performed by a physiotherapist, cures most of these vertigo, either instantly or after 2 or 3 sessions.
In the case of Ménièr’s diseasee, the ENT prescribes you antivertiginous and if necessary remedies to fight against nausea and vomiting.
In case of vestibular neuritis, the ENT doctor may prescribe you in addition to potent anti-rheumatic drugs, corticosteroid therapy and antivirals (in case of viral disease). Vestibular rehabilitation is recommended to prevent recurrence of vertigo.
What to do in other cases of vertigo?
Some dizziness comes from small cervical blockages that have nothing to do with the inner ear. These symptoms can appear in people who have fallen asleep in a bad position, after an airplane trip or even after an accident… They would be due to the irritation of small nerve threads during the reflex blocking of the muscles of the neck.
Acupuncture, osteopathy or massages are then effective means of eliminating these vertigo. But beware, these manipulations are not recommended for the elderly without medical advice.
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