 What is Dizziness?Dizziness is a common problem affecting both the young and old. The National Institute of Health estimates that up to 42% of individuals will complain of dizziness at least once in their lifetime. Dizziness is a general term that can result from many different medical problems. The complex nature of our balance system is such that evaluation and management can be difficult. We at Missouri Ear, Nose, and Throat Center are here to help. Dizziness can be divided into different categories based on the type of symptoms that a patient is experiencing. True inner ear dizziness represents a subset of dizziness characterized by sudden onset of a spinning or rotating sensation. This sensation is commonly referred to as vertigo. Some patients experience dizziness that results in a lightheadedness sensation or even passing out. This problem is more serious as it could be the result of a primary heart problem. Patients that have passed out cannot have inner ear dizziness as the cause. The third symptom grouping is for patients experiencing stumbling with walking or gait problems. Gait problems can be multi-factorial and may or may not include an inner ear component. We are specialists in inner ear dizziness and can help evaluate and manage the other forms of dizziness. The three most common types of inner ear dizziness are:
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Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV) – characterized by sudden onset spinning vertigo associated with three physical positions: lying in bed rolling to one side, looking up or bending down. The actual spinning sensation lasts only seconds to minutes. Patients do not experience hearing loss or other ear symptoms. Treatment is very easy and very successful.