When to see a neurologist for dizziness?
While dizziness may be a minor issue for some, it demands major importance and care. It rings the warning bell for something ‘not so good’ that is developing. It's a matter of concern that we should be careful about, yet not too tense. Hence, here's some important information to help you understand when it is necessary to consult a neurologist, your regular physician, or visit the emergency ward when you are facing recurring dizziness.
Before beginning, we would again advise you to be calm and refrain from panicking. For, not being calm brings a lot more trouble than expected. Now, neither us nor you would want that.
Coming back, it's significant that we fundamentally understand that dizziness can be due to various reasons. Many parts of your body, including your eyes, brain, inner ear, and nerves in your feet and spine, work together to keep you balanced. When a part of that system is off, you can feel dizzy. It can be a sign of something serious, and it can be dangerous if it makes you fall.
Hence, we categorize dizziness into a critical or not-so-serious category. It defines whether we need to schedule a visit with our regular physician or a neurologist or dial an emergency number.
If any of the following causes dizziness, then it might not be a matter of major concern.
Improper blood circulation
If you experience dizziness due to any of these conditions, a check-up with your regular physician would be satisfactory.
Getting ahead, we need to understand vertigo. Dizziness and vertigo aren't the same, but vertigo is a type of dizziness. Vertigo is the sensation that you are moving, even when you are not. It is similar to motion sickness and characterizes dizziness or the feeling that the room is spinning. While many people believe that vertigo is a medical condition, it is a symptom of medical conditions.
Now, if you experience vertigo, know that it is a symptom that there is an issue in the inner ear or part of the brainstem governing balance. But if you experience any below-mentioned sensations along with vertigo, please dial an emergency number immediately.
Confusion or trouble speaking/understanding speech
Slurred speech or hoarseness of voice
Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg
Clumsiness or tremor (shaking) of the arms or legs
Trouble seeing out of one or both eyes, or to one side
Double vision or inability to move one or both eyes
Unequal pupils or drooping eyelids on one side
Inability to stand even when holding onto something firm
Sudden severe vomiting with no known cause
Sudden severe headache or neck pain with no known cause
But if vertigo does not accompany any of these symptoms, then you may need to visit a neurologist. Yes, it's much better than going to the emergency ward.
Vertigo can be due to two reasons:
Peripheral vertigo, caused by a problem with the inner ear or vestibular nerve that connects the ear to the brain. (93% cases)
Central vertigo, caused by an issue in the cerebellum, which is in charge of balance and movement. (7% cases)
These two types of vertigo make up what is called vertigo-associated disease. Generally, vestibular blocking agents or VBAs treat vertigo-associated diseases. However, specific causes of vertigo may also require additional treatment to help alleviate it. Therefore, your neurologist will need to determine what is causing your vertigo.
So, if your dizziness (or vertigo) troubles you often and makes your life tough, you should visit our specialized Neurology department at Regency Hospital. Consult today and find the treatment you've been looking for.