Can Ear Infections Be the Cause of Vertigo?
Vertigo is a disorientating sensation that makes you feel as if you or the world around you is spinning or tilting around, even when everything is still. Feeling like this can make it impossible to complete everyday activities so it is important to see an ENT specialist for vertigo treatment if you’re suffering from this symptom.
What Can Cause Vertigo?
Vertigo happens when there is a problem with the balance organs in the inner ear. These organs tell your body how it is positioned, but they are very delicate. If something interferes with their function, then you can feel dizzy and off balance.
Various conditions can affect the balance organs. Sometimes it can be a sign of a balance disorder such as benign positional vertigo or Meniere’s disease. These conditions can cause vertigo that keeps coming back. In rare cases, vertigo and balance problems can be a sign of something more serious, such as a stroke or a problem with the nerve connecting the balance organs to your brain.
Could It Be an Ear Infection?
Ear infections are another common cause of vertigo and balance problems. You won’t always experience these symptoms when you have an ear infection as it won’t always affect the balance organs. However, if the infection gets into your inner ear it can cause inflammation that affects your sense of balance. The infection often affects a structure called the labyrinth, which is part of the balance system. This type of infection is known as labyrinthitis.
If your vertigo is caused by an inner ear infection then you will probably also have some other symptoms such as earache, headache, fluid in your ear, hearing loss or tinnitus. The symptoms should get better within a few weeks, but it is still a good idea to see a doctor for vertigo treatment if your symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life or they aren’t improving.
Infections in other areas can sometimes affect your balance too. For example, vestibular neuritis happens when the infection affects the nerve that carries information from the balance organs of the inner ear to your brain. It won’t cause the same symptoms as an ear infection (such as hearing loss) because it only affects the messages carried by this specific nerve.
When to See a Doctor for Vertigo Treatment
You should always go to see a doctor if you have vertigo that doesn’t go away or that keeps coming back. Getting vertigo treatment can have a dramatic impact on your quality of life so it is always worth finding out what help is available. Although most of the conditions that cause vertigo can be treated very effectively, it is also important to rule out any more serious issues.
If your balance problems are caused by a bacterial infection, then you may need a course of antibiotics to clear it. The doctor will also recommend some home treatments that you can use to relieve the symptoms. Viral infections can’t be treated with antibiotics, but your ENT specialist may recommend medication to relieve the symptoms if they’re severe.
