Conditions We Treat

Dizziness, vertigo, and vestibular disorders

At Alaska Brain and Spine, we understand the disorienting effects that vestibular disorders can have on your daily life.

A vestibular disorder is a condition that affects the inner ear or brain areas responsible for balance and spatial orientation. These disorders can cause symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, imbalance, and visual disturbances. Vestibular disorders may result from injury, infection, or degenerative conditions affecting the vestibular system’s function.

Dizziness, a general term, often refers to feelings of lightheadedness or imbalance, which can be triggered by factors such as dehydration, low blood pressure, or anxiety. Vertigo, on the other hand, is a specific type of dizziness where a person feels as if they or their surroundings are spinning, typically caused by issues in the inner ear or vestibular system.

If you’re struggling with dizziness or vertigo, trust Dr. Costello to guide you toward lasting relief, empowering you to reclaim your equilibrium and enjoy life with renewed assurance.

Dizziness

Dizziness is a common, yet complex symptom that can present as lightheadedness, imbalance, or a sensation of leaning. It may result from conditions such as inner ear disturbances, vestibular migraines, Meniere’s disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), or neurological and cardiovascular issues. Diagnosing dizziness involves a thorough evaluation that may include physical exams, vestibular function tests, MRI scans, and blood work to identify the root cause.

Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning that can cause nausea, vomiting, and imbalance, often disrupting daily life. It commonly stems from inner ear issues, vestibular migraines, or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), though it can also result from neurological conditions, head injuries, or cardiovascular concerns. Symptoms that distinguish vertigo from general dizziness include a pronounced spinning feeling, loss of balance, nausea, and sometimes involuntary eye movements (nystagmus). Vertigo episodes can vary in duration, lasting seconds to weeks depending on the cause.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a condition that affects blood flow and the autonomic nervous system, causing an abnormal increase in heart rate when moving from lying down to a standing position. Common symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, heart palpitations, fatigue, brain fog, shaking, and difficulty exercising. Some individuals may also experience nausea, chest pain, or temperature regulation issues. POTS can be triggered by various factors, including viral infections, autoimmune disorders, trauma, or prolonged bed rest. It is often associated with conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (which Alaska Brain and Spine also specializes in), chronic fatigue syndrome, or fibromyalgia.

Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD)

Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) is a chronic vestibular disorder characterized by persistent feelings of dizziness, unsteadiness, or non-spinning vertigo that worsen with upright posture, movement, or visual stimuli. Symptoms are often continuous but can fluctuate in intensity, creating a sense of rocking, swaying, or imbalance. PPPD is commonly triggered by an initial vestibular event such as vertigo, vestibular neuritis, BPPV, or a panic attack, with symptoms persisting even after the original condition resolves. Psychological stress and anxiety can further aggravate PPPD, contributing to its chronic nature.