Best ENT Doctor in Los Angeles
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo makes it feel like your head is spinning on the inside.
The episodes of dizziness are typically brief and range from mild to intense. If you experience this issue, talk to the best ENT doctor in Los Angeles. This professional can aid you in determining the right course of treatment, as well as determine if another condition is causing your symptoms, such as swimmer’s ear or an ear infection.
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Causes
The exact cause of this condition remains unknown. For some people, a head injury can result in this condition. It is also believed that inner ear damage or injuries can trigger this condition.
The vestibular labyrinth is a tiny organ located in the inner ear. It includes the semicircular canals that have hair-like sensors and fluid. These are responsible for monitoring head rotation. Other structures that monitor head movements are the otolith organs. These organs ensure that you are sensitive to gravity with the crystals they contain.
It is possible for the crystals to essentially dislodge. When this happens, the crystals can end up in the semicircular canals. This is especially common when you lie down. So, when you go to get up and move your head, the symptoms of this condition can occur.
Symptoms
The best ENT doctor in Los Angeles can help you to understand the symptoms. When this condition is present, it may cause the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Unsteadiness or balance issues
- Vomiting and nausea
- Vertigo
The symptoms tend to come and go. In most cases, they last a minute or less. In some cases, there is no sign telling you that the symptoms are about to start. However, for many people, certain head movements can trigger the symptoms.
It is possible to also experience nystagmus when the other symptoms of this condition are happening. Nystagmus is an issue where the eyes are experiencing abnormal rhythmic movements.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis typically starts with a physical examination by the best ENT doctor in Los Angeles. Your doctor will usually be looking for the following:
- Dizziness that occurs with different head movements
- Nystagmus
- Specific eye movements that occur with dizziness during certain positions and with specific head movements
- The inability for the patient to be able to control their eye movements
If a physical examination cannot make the diagnosis, doctors might recommend:
- Magnetic resonance imaging
- Videoystagmography
- Electronystagmography
Treatment of Vertigo
It is possible for this condition to disappear on its own. However, if after a few months it is still present, treatment might be needed. Canalith repositioning is among the most common treatment options. This involves a series of slow and simple maneuvers. The goal is to get any particles from the semicircular canals in the ears to the vestibule area of the ears. One of the otolith organs is housed by the vestibule.
If these maneuvers are ineffective, surgery might be recommended. However, it is rarely needed. During surgery, the inner ear area causing dizziness is blocked using a bone plug.
The best ENT doctor in Los Angeles can help you with this condition. They will take the time to learn about your symptoms to aid you in figuring out which treatments might be the best. It is ideal to make an appointment as soon as symptoms begin. The doctor can also assist you with other ear, nose and throat issues, such as allergic rhinitis, other balance issues, and certain hearing disorders.
