What is Vertigo? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

On many occasions, car crash victims only expect to suffer from injuries like cuts, bruises, broken bones, and more. However, after some days or weeks, they may start having other symptoms that you might easily ignore. Yet, some of them, like vertigo or dizziness, maybe a sign of more serious issues that should be expertly examined by a competent Atlanta auto accident doctor.
Read on for more insights about vertigo causes, symptoms, and treatment.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo is a sensation of dizziness or a feeling of the world spinning. Most patients describe it as a feeling that brings an imbalanced disorder with lots of difficulties while walking. However, neurology experts describe it as a condition that affects the brain’s balance centers and the inner ear. The feeling can come and go, lasting for just a few moments or continue for an extended period.

Can You Get Vertigo After a Car Accident?

Yes, car crashes can lead to this condition in various ways, such as:

Concussion or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

If you hit your head or brain during a car crash, it could easily lead to a concussion or TBI. Depending on the severity of the injury, dizziness and vertigo may occur after some days, weeks, or even months. It may be caused by trauma to the peripheral vestibular or nervous system.

Whiplash

A majority of auto accidents result in whiplash injuries, especially after a rear-end collision. The accident force causes your neck and head to pitch forward and backward in a sudden movement. The National Institute of Health revealed that victims of these accidents might also suffer from brainstem injuries. In the study, 25 to 50% of the victims experienced dizziness and vertigo.

Cervicogenic Injury

This is an injury to the bones or nerves in the neck due to a sudden impact during a car accident. It can affect your sensory receptors that respond to position and movement, leading to vertigo, dizziness, neck pains, or headaches.

Temporal Bone Injury

Most temporal bone injuries emanate from blunt head injuries, mostly reported after auto accidents. An injury to any of these temporal bones, even a fracture, can cause serious implications such as dizziness, hearing loss, vertigo, or facial paralysis.

What Signs and Symptoms Should You Watch Out for?

Vertigo is mostly characterized by dizziness, but you can also experience other symptoms such as:
• Neck pain
• Memory lapse
• Blurry vision
• Spatial orientation problem
• Difficulty in walking
• Hearing problems
• Concentration problems
• Whirling
• Lightheadedness

When You Should Book an Appointment?

If the above symptoms persist for more than two weeks, you should book an appointment with Lone Star Neurology, a top neurologist practice in Dallas. Also, make sure you see a neurologist if you have dizziness that interferes with your daily activities. The sooner you begin the treatment, the higher your chances of making a full recovery. A medical expert can also schedule follow-up examinations depending on the seriousness of your condition.
Primary physicians can diagnose most vertigo patients. However, it’s always best to consult with a neurologist in case there is a serious underlying condition.

What are the Treatment and Medication Options for Vertigo?

There are various treatment options that an Atlanta auto accident doctor can use to diagnose vertigo symptoms. Epley maneuver is the most popular therapy with a 90% success rate in helping patients with common vertigo symptoms. It involves repositioning crystals in the inner ear of the affected victim. Other therapies are also used, but a neurologist will work with you to decide the best treatment options for your condition since it may require psychotherapy, medicine, injections, or even surgery.

Key Takeaway

Various reasons may lead to vertigo and dizziness, and car accidents are one of them. The condition mostly happens when you suffer from head or neck injuries after a crash. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with all the discomforts caused by this condition, as you can seek help from a competent neurologist.

Our Lone Star Neurosurgeon Can Help

At Lone Star Neurology, we provide expert diagnosis and medication in Dallas, TX, for various neurological disorders. We offer a free consultation if you or a loved one has been involved in a car wreck leading to vertigo. Our team has many experts committed to helping you control or eliminate your symptoms to ensure you enjoy your daily activities. Contact us for more details on how we can assist you.