Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Vertigo

If you suspect you have vertigo, it is wise to schedule a visit with your doctor. During the visit, you should not hesitate to ask your doctor any questions regarding your health. Asking questions is essential to good communication with your doctor. Asking your doctor questions lets him or her know that you are interested in learning or may need clarification on a certain topic. If you do not ask questions, your doctor might assume you do not need or want to learn new information. Some people do not ask their doctors questions for several reasons, such as due to shyness or fear of seeming ignorant. Although you may not enjoy visiting with your doctor and the very idea of it makes you nervous, doctors provide a service and their purpose is to help patients with any health concerns they may have. Most doctors are more than happy to sit with patients, answer questions, and explain any health-related topic that concerns you. It is beneficial to go into a doctor's appointment with some background knowledge and a written list of questions you would like answered. Do not be afraid to speak up if you are confused or do not know a medical term.

In relation to vertigo, below are several questions you should ask your doctor. First, you should ask basic questions in order to gain a better understanding of the cause of your vertigo. You will want to know the steps that need to be taken to determine the cause and develop a treatment plan. The questions you should ask initially include: 

• What do you suppose is the cause of my vertigo and why? 
• What types of examinations or evaluations need to be done to determine the cause of my vertigo?
• Do I need to prepare for these examinations? 
• What kinds of treatment do you recommend? Why? 
• If your doctor recommends a physical therapy maneuver, feel free to ask for an explanation or demonstration. 
• If medication is diagnosed, make sure you know understand the instructions and ask about side effects. 
• If this treatment is unsuccessful, what other treatment options are available to me? 
• Do you recommend that I see a specialist for my condition?
• In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you see an Otolaryngologist who would have more experience with the causes and treatment of vertigo.

There are several other questions you can ask your doctor that are not imperative but could provide you with beneficial information that could help you feel more prepared to self-manage your vertigo. These include: 

• What can I do to self-manage my vertigo? 
• Are there any exercises I can do on my own that could reduce symptoms?
• What kinds of activities or movements may trigger or worsen my symptoms?
• What should I do if my symptoms get worse or new symptoms arise?
• What should I do if I experience negative side effects from treatment (for example, side effects from medication)?
• Is surgery an option if my symptoms do not improve? 

Hopefully the questions listed above provide you with a good idea of the information you should obtain from your doctor. Remember, do not hesitate to ask any of these questions. Your doctor is there to help you improve your health. Answering health-related questions is part of their job so do not be afraid to ask any questions you may have. 

How to Manage and Treat Vertigo

If you or someone you know suffers from vertigo, there are several ways to manage and treat the condition with professional help and at home. As I mentioned in my previous blog post, it is best to first consult your doctor if you suspect you have vertigo in order to receive an accurate diagnosis. There are several treatments for vertigo that vary depending on the cause and type. Therefore, it is important to see your doctor in order to find out the exact cause of your symptoms and the best treatment option. 


Remember that there are two types of vertigo, central and peripheral. Central vertigo is due to a problem with the brain or brainstem and is a symptom of this problem. Therefore, treatment is geared toward the problem in the brain and vertigo will subside once this is treated. Treatment for peripheral vertigo usually includes repositioning maneuvers, the most common of which is the Epley maneuver. This treatment option involves specific head movements that cause loose crystals within the inner ear to move, leading to less irritation and a decrease in or cessation of episodes. The Epley maneuver should be done by a physical therapist or health care professional in order to prevent a neck or head injury. However, there are modified versions that your doctor or physical therapist can teach you so you can perform it at home. Also, the Epley maneuver has a high success rate and can be beneficial in treating most cases of vertigo. 

The Semont maneuver is similar to the Epley maneuver but is less popular. While you are seated at the edge of a table, a health professional holds your head and quickly lowers your head to one side. This method is best if done by a doctor or health professional. 

In addition, there are other repositioning maneuvers that you can do by yourself at home. Dr. Carol Foster, an Associate Professor of otolaryngology at the University of Colorado Hospital, created her own method after suffering from vertigo. She calls it the Half Somersault (also known as the Foster Maneuver) and it involves kneeling on the floor, bending over, and placing the crown of your head on the floor. You can watch the video below to see a demonstration.

Some ways to self-manage vertigo at home or during your day include changing your head position slowly, focusing on distant objects when walking, and making sure eye glass and hearing aid prescriptions are to date. It is important to avoid moving your head quickly as it can trigger vertigo. Balancing exercises have been shown to help people who suffer from frequent vertigo episodes. Better balance means less risk of falling or hurting yourself during an episode. These exercises can range from balancing standing still, on one leg, or while swaying. 

In some cases of vertigo, medication is prescribed to reduce episodes or alleviate symptoms but is not recommended for long term use. In this case, the best way to self-manage vertigo is to follow directions and dosages for medications. You may also practice some of the self-management tips above in addition to taking your medication. 

Overall, vertigo is highly treatable and, in most cases, not hard to manage. If you or someone you know has experienced vertigo, I hope these tips on how to treat and manage vertigo are helpful.