Vertigo is one of the most common cases encountered by upper cervical chiropractors in Norton Shores. It affects millions of patients and causes significant disability and discomfort. Sadly, many patients don’t know why the symptom occurs. Are you among them? Hopefully, with the help of our discussion, you can learn about the types of vertigo attacks and your best options for lasting and holistic relief.

Peripheral Vertigo

Peripheral vertigo happens due to problems in the inner ear. A lot of factors can trigger this symptom, so doctors tend to classify the attacks into different subtypes, such as: 

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

BPPV results from the displacement of grain-like calcium crystals in the inner ear. The attacks often follow sudden head or neck movements, such as standing up from the bed or picking something off the ground. 

Labyrinthitis and Vestibular Neuronitis

Both inflammation of nerves in the inner ear and labyrinth can impact the brain’s ability to detect motion or balance changes. Notably, both vestibular disorders stem from mild to severe infections like colds, flu, herpes, rubella, and mumps.

Meniere’s Disease

Can you imagine how it would feel when your surroundings seem to spin around you? Unfortunately, when you have Meniere’s, this becomes your everyday reality. You might also experience equally debilitating problems such as tinnitus and ear congestion. Additionally, you might develop temporary or partial hearing loss.

Central Vertigo

This simply refers to vertigo attacks that result from nervous system issues. It can trigger several problems, including nystagmus, facial muscle paralysis, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, and tinnitus. 

Studies found that central vertigo patients have brainstem lesions or irritation that prevent their vestibular system from functioning correctly. The problem also appears to develop because of CNS tumors, multiple sclerosis, drug abuse, seizures, blood vessel problems, and brain infections.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

Cervical Vertigo

Cervical vertigo affects about 30 percent of patients who complain about dizziness or spinning sensations. It often results from cervical spine misalignments, neck trauma, and postural problems. However, sometimes, it results from the following:  

Rotational Vertebral Artery Vertigo 

Rotational Vertebral Artery Vertigo or Bow Hunter’s Syndrome develops because of compression of the vertebral artery at the atlantoaxial and sub-axial parts of the spine. It can trigger non-specific symptoms, making it difficult to get an accurate and timely diagnosis. 

Clinicians often diagnose the condition based on a patient's stroke and ischemic attacks history. They also use digital subtraction angiography to spot check the arteries in the upper cervical spine and 3D x-ray scans to find structural abnormalities in your C1 and C2 bones. 

Barré-lieou Syndrome

The Barre-lieou Syndrome shares a few similarities with rotational vertebral artery vertigo. The only difference is that it affects the cervical sympathetic nerve. It tends to obstruct signals from getting transmitted by the sympathetic nerves, resulting in delayed pupil reaction, recurring spinning sensations, and head pain. 

Doctors diagnose it using skin thermography, MRI scans, and electrodiagnostic studies. These diagnostic tests help reveal structural damage or nerve problems.

Proprioceptive Cervical Vertigo

Proprioceptive central vertigo stems from dysfunctional craniocervical joints. Studies explain that the condition stimulates the overreaction of designated brain messengers in the neck area. It confuses the vestibular system and detects false movements. 

Diagnosis of this condition is quite difficult because only a few people have it. Moreover, it requires advanced body scans to determine structural issues at the craniocervical joints.

Migraine Associated Cervicogenic Vertigo

Many patients often refer to this condition as Vestibular Migraine. Clinicians diagnose it by checking a patient’s migraine history and noting visual or sensory aura signs. Patients usually have at least five episodes or experience vestibular symptoms that last up to 72 hours. 

Patients with suspected vestibular migraines often undergo MRI scanning and other neurologic examinations to assess the vestibular system and find a suitable treatment or remedy.

Eliminate Vertigo Attacks When You Visit Upper Cervical Chiropractors in Norton Shores

Spinning sensations can be quite tricky to manage because they can stem from any health problems we listed above. So, if you notice frequent attacks, we suggest getting an official medical diagnosis from your primary doctor, neurologist, or other chosen specialists. Additionally, we recommend exploring upper cervical care.

Unknown to you, the atlas and axis bones under your head might have shifted or fused and compromised your spine’s neutral alignment. The bones might be compressing nerves and blood vessels, cutting off blood supply, and slowing down fluid drainage in your head. 

Hopefully, after you receive neck bone adjustments, you can relieve the pressure in your vestibular system and address other vertigo-causing health concerns. To know more about how it could be the care that you’re looking for to find relief from vertigo, you can head to our upper cervical chiropractors in Norton Shores.

Zehr Chiropractic uses tried and tested chiropractic techniques to address imbalances in the upper cervical spine. Our upper cervical doctor also studies each case to provide tailored adjustments to restore the spine's integrity and eliminate signal interferences. 

We are also committed to helping our patients achieve renewed health and holistic healing by providing helpful self-care tips. Find out more about how we help provide relief for central vertigo, cervical vertigo, and peripheral vertigo by calling us at (231) 780-9900.

Whether you’re a new or returning patient, we invite you to visit our office or fill out our forms to request an appointment. We look forward to helping you experience lasting vertigo relief!

To schedule a complimentary Atlas Orthogonal consultation, call 231-227-4495 or just click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.