The Stop Snoring And Sleep Apnea Program™ a well-researched program created to help stop snoring and sleep apnea so that you can have a good night sleep. The techniques that you will learn from this program works immediately. It will only take you 3-7 minutes to perform these simple exercises that the author has recommended but the results that you will get will help you have a good night sleep as soon as tonight. Within a week, snoring will be a thing of the past.
How can one find a specialist for vertigo treatment?
How to get a vertigo treatment specialist involves looking for physicians with specialty in diagnosing and treating vestibular disorders or conditions that cause dizziness and balance issues. This is a step-by-step guide in case you need one to get the right specialist:
1. Primary Care Physician (PCP)
Start with your primary care physician (PCP), who can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to the proper specialist. He/she will also have initial tests ordered to determine the cause of your vertigo.
Your PCP will be able to rule out common causes of vertigo like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, or labyrinthitis, and send you to the appropriate specialist.
2. Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Specialist (Otolaryngologist)
A subspecialist of ENT (otherwise known as an otolaryngologist) is a general specialist to consult for vertigo, especially when the cause is inner ear or balance system-related.
Otolaryngologists diagnose and manage conditions like BPPV, Meniere’s disease, and labyrinthitis. They can administer tests such as:
Electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG): Eye movement exams for diagnosing balance disorders.
Vestibular testing: Like caloric testing and rotary chair testing to assess the inner ear function and vestibular apparatus.
Referral: Your PCP might refer you to an ENT if he or she feels your vertigo is related to an ear issue.
3. Neurologist
If vertigo is suspected to be caused by a neurological condition (e.g., multiple sclerosis, migraine-related vertigo, or a stroke), a neurologist would be the ideal specialist.
A neurologist will conduct imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to rule out neurological causes and perform balance testing.
Vestibular migraines are common, and a neurologist can treat this condition with medication or life-style changes.
4. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapist (VRT)
A vestibular rehabilitation therapist is a skilled physical therapist who specializes in treating balance disorders, including vertigo.
VRT is special exercises to improve balance, reduce dizziness, and help your brain adapt to the changes in your vestibular system. It is particularly beneficial for conditions like BPPV and vestibular neuritis.
A physical therapist or an occupational therapist with specialized training in vestibular disorders can assist you in developing an individualized therapy program.
5. Audiologist
An audiologist can diagnose inner ear and hearing-related balance problems. Audiologists perform the following tests:
Hearing tests: To assess for hearing loss associated with vertigo (e.g., in Meniere’s disease).
Balance tests: Like VNG or posturography, to check how well your vestibular system is functioning.
Audiologists may work together with ENT physicians to treat both hearing and balance-related conditions.
6. Acupuncturist (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
If you’re interested in alternative or complementary therapies, an acupuncturist specializing in vestibular disorders can help treat vertigo.
Acupuncture focuses on restoring balance and improving circulation, which may help reduce vertigo caused by inner ear imbalances or other issues.
7. How to Find the Right Specialist
Referrals: Your PCP, ENT, or even a family member or friend might recommend a good specialist.
Online directories:
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) also offers a list of board-certified ENT physicians.
The Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA) offers listings and access to information, and a directory of vestibular specialists, including physical therapists and audiologists, who specialize in balance disorders.
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) also has a directory for vestibular rehabilitation-trained physical therapists.
Insurance provider: Check with your insurance provider to find in-network specialists and facilities offering treatments for vertigo and balance disorders.
Professional networks and associations: Look for specialists certified by organizations like:
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) for neurologists.
The American Balance Society for vestibular rehabilitation therapists.
8. Questions to Ask Potential Specialists
When you’re considering a specialist, it’s a good idea to ask:
What is your experience with treating vertigo or vestibular disorders?
Do you offer vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)?
What do you recommend I have tested in order to diagnose my symptoms?
What treatments do you offer for vertigo as a result of my condition?
9. Second Opinions
If you’re not getting the answers you need or if you’re unclear about your diagnosis, don’t be afraid to request a second opinion from another professional, especially if your vertigo is severe or persistent.
By consulting the right specialist for your condition, you can be provided with specific treatments for vertigo, be it related to inner ear issues, neurologic conditions, or a different etiologic cause. Do you require help with any of these steps specifically or more resources to aid your search?
Vertigo has a profound effect on mental health, usually causing anxiety, depression, and stress. The dizziness and debilitating effects of vertigo can influence an individual’s emotional and psychological state in a number of ways:
1. Anxiety
Fear of Reoccurrence: Individuals with vertigo are in constant fear that the next episode is going to hit them and therefore live anxious lives. Without knowing when and how the next attack will arise, one will end up worrying all the time, leading to panic attacks or anxiety attacks when they have no idea when and how they might develop symptoms.
Avoidance Behaviors: To prevent vertigo from occurring, people may avoid certain activities or settings, which can lead to social isolation. Avoidance may create anxiety as they fear being in situations where vertigo is expected to occur (e.g., crowds, travel, or driving).
Hypervigilance: Some people become overly aware of their body sensations, repeatedly monitoring for the presence of dizziness or unsteadiness. This can increase anxiety and set up a stress cycle, so the symptoms seem worse than they are.
2. Depression
Chronic Condition: Vertigo, especially if it is chronic or recurring, can create frustration and feelings of helplessness. Inability to carry out daily activities or lead a normal life can lead to depression, especially if vertigo interferes with work, social interaction, or daily activities.
Reduced Quality of Life: As vertigo keeps a person from performing things that used to be enjoyable, such as exercising, mingling with friends, or hobbies, it can leave a person feeling sad or bereaved. The limitations imposed by vertigo can result in feelings of worthlessness or sadness.
3. Stress
Physical Stress: The bodily expression of vertigo, such as dizziness, imbalance, and nausea, can be very stressful to the body. Recurring physical stress can lead to tension, fatigue, and pain in the muscles, which can exacerbate feelings of discomfort and irritability.
Cognitive Stress: Constantly having to cope with the symptoms and worry of the next attack can result in cognitive stress. The psychological effort of staying in balance, managing triggers, and staying vigilant may be mentally exhausting.
4. Social Isolation
Social Withdrawal: People with vertigo will avoid social events as they think that they might get a vertigo attack in public. This will make them socially withdrawn and isolated, worsening loneliness and depression.
Impact on Relationships: Spouses, relatives, and friends may struggle to understand the impact of vertigo, leading to irritation or strained relationships. The psychological burden of not being understood may also contribute to mental health issues.
5. Disabled Functionality and Self-Esteem
Loss of Independence: Vertigo can hinder people from performing everyday tasks, including driving, working, or managing themselves. Loss of independence can affect self-esteem, and people may feel incompetent or frustrated.
Difficulty Concentrating: Mental confusion and disorientation commonly associated with vertigo can disrupt concentration and decision-making, which can impair work performance and daily functioning, causing stress and anxiety.
6. Sleep Disturbances
Difficulty Sleeping: Discomfort caused by vertigo, particularly if it increases when one is lying down, can disrupt sleep. Recurrent sleep disturbance can lead to mental health issues like irritability, anxiety, and depression.
7. Reduced Coping Ability
Exhaustion: Coping with the physical and mental effects of vertigo can drain a person’s energy, having less to use to cope with other stressors in life. This can lead to feeling overwhelmed or helpless to manage other challenges.
Working with the Mental Health Effect of Vertigo
Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other forms of psychotherapy can help manage the stress, depression, and anxiety of vertigo. Therapy can help people cope with the unpredictability of their disease, reduce avoidance behaviors, and change negative thinking patterns.
Relaxation Techniques: Strategies like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can reduce the anxiety and generally enhance mental wellbeing. These also assist in the management of daily stress from handling vertigo.
Support Groups: Sharing company with others going through vertigo can offer the emotional support to counteract isolation. Support groups can be where one can exchange experiences and ways of coping with vertigo without fear of stigma.
Physical Therapy: Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a type of physical therapy to help an individual with vertigo to have improved balance and reduce dizziness. This can reduce physical symptoms of vertigo, which in return leads to improved mental health as well.
Medication: Medications may be prescribed in some cases to alleviate symptoms of vertigo or its psychological impact, such as anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. Always consult a medical professional before taking any medication.
Conclusion
The psychological impact of vertigo is deep and can affect many different areas of an individual’s life. It’s important to address the physical and emotional aspects of the condition with an interdependent treatment plan that includes medical treatment, therapy, lifestyle changes, and support systems. Holistic treatment for vertigo can improve physical as well as mental health outcomes.
The Stop Snoring And Sleep Apnea Program™ a well-researched program created to help stop snoring and sleep apnea so that you can have a good night sleep. The techniques that you will learn from this program works immediately. It will only take you 3-7 minutes to perform these simple exercises that the author has recommended but the results that you will get will help you have a good night sleep as soon as tonight. Within a week, snoring will be a thing of the past.