Vertigo Specialist

Norman J. Chan, MD Our Services Vertigo
Norman J. Chan, MD - - Otolaryngologist

Norman J. Chan, MD

Otolaryngologist located in Chinatown, New York, NY

Feeling dizzy and like the world around you is spinning isn’t just uncomfortable; it can be dangerous if it leads to a fall. Many patients choose to ignore these signs because they don’t seem life-threatening, but it’s important to get medical help for sudden vertigo symptoms as it may indicate an underlying condition, like stroke. Norman J Chan MD in Chinatown, New York, can effectively treat your vertigo using the latest in diagnostics and treatments to address your symptoms. If you develop vertigo and dizziness, call the office, or use the online scheduling tool to book a consultation today.

Vertigo Q & A

What is vertigo?

Vertigo is a symptom caused by a number of different reasons. Patients who have vertigo experience a sensation that either the environment is moving around them or they are moving relative to their environment. Other symptoms that can accompany vertigo include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Jerky eye movements
  • Headache
  • Excessive sweating
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Hearing loss
  • Feeling of ear being clogged

These attacks can be mild and barely noticeable or so strong that they make it difficult for you to keep your balance. Attacks can develop suddenly and last for a few hours. In severe cases, the attacks last for days and are extremely disruptive to your everyday life. 


What are the causes of vertigo?

Vertigo is often caused by a problem with your inner ear which regulates your balance. It can also be caused by:

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV is a type of vertigo that occurs when crystals in your ear have shifted out of place. When you change the position of your head, these crystals also move and cause vertigo.

Migraine

Migraines are intense headaches that can make you dizzy and are associated with vertigo.

Labyrinthitis

Labyrinthitis is an inner ear disorder that causes dizziness, nausea, loss of hearing, and other symptoms associated with vertigo.

Vestibular neuronitis

Vestibular neuronitis is an inflammation of the vestibular nerve, which is responsible for transmitting messages between your inner ear and brain. When the nerve becomes inflamed, you can experience severe vertigo for days.

Many medications like antidepressants and some antibiotics can also cause dizziness. If this is the case, Norman J Chan MD can work with you to identify these medications.


How do you treat vertigo?

Treatments depend on the cause and severity of your condition and may include:

Canalith repositioning maneuvers

If your vertigo is caused by BPPV, Dr. Chan helps you perform maneuvers to move the crystals in your ear back into their original position. 

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT)

VRT is a treatment that attempts to retrain your brain and nervous system. VRT is designed to improve your hand and eye coordination, improve your balance, walking ability, and strength. It also stimulates the feeling of being dizzy, so your brain can acclimate and compensate for the abnormal signals from your inner ear.

Medication

If your vertigo and loss of balance are severe, Dr. Chan may prescribe medications to address your symptoms. Depending on the cause of your vertigo Dr. Chan may prescribe corticosteroids to help decrease inflammation in your ear and/or antibiotics or antiviral medications. 

If you have central vertigo, which is caused by problems in your brain or if your vertigo is being caused by an unknown reason, Dr. Chan may do an MRI or a CT scan or refer you to a neurologist. 

To learn more about treating your vertigo, call the office, or use the online scheduling tool to make an appointment today.

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