Vertigo in Barranquilla: When Should You See an ENT Specialist?

Feeling like the room is spinning, losing your balance while walking, or experiencing sudden dizziness can be alarming. While many people attribute these symptoms to fatigue, stress, or lack of sleep, they may sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition that requires specialized evaluation.

Dr. Angélica Rolong, an ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) in Barranquilla with experience in the diagnosis and treatment of vertigo, helps patients identify the underlying cause of their symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan.

What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the sensation of movement when you or your surroundings are actually still. Many people describe it as feeling like the room is spinning, the floor is moving, or that they are losing their balance.

Unlike other forms of dizziness, vertigo is often associated with disorders of the vestibular system, a structure located primarily in the inner ear that plays a key role in balance and spatial orientation.

Symptoms That May Indicate Vertigo

According to Dr. Angélica Rolong, some of the most common symptoms include:

• A sensation that everything is spinning.
• Loss of balance.
• Unsteadiness while walking.
• Recurring dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• A sensation of movement even while remaining still.
• Difficulty performing daily activities.
• Feeling unsafe when walking or changing positions.

Symptoms may occur occasionally or repeatedly and can significantly affect quality of life.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Vertigo?

Several medical conditions can cause vertigo. Some of the most common include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

This is one of the most common causes of vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals in the inner ear become displaced, disrupting the normal function of the vestibular system.

Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis

These inflammatory conditions affect structures involved in balance and may cause severe episodes of dizziness and instability.

Ménière’s Disease

This condition can cause recurring episodes of vertigo accompanied by hearing loss, ear fullness, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Vestibular Migraine

Some individuals experience vertigo associated with migraines, even when headache symptoms are mild or absent.

Other Medical Conditions

In some cases, vertigo symptoms may be related to neurological, metabolic, or cardiovascular disorders, making a thorough medical evaluation essential for an accurate diagnosis.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Dizziness or Vertigo?

Dr. Angélica Rolong recommends seeking medical evaluation if:

• Dizziness occurs repeatedly.
• Vertigo lasts longer than 48 to 72 hours.
• Symptoms interfere with work or daily activities.
• You have difficulty walking or maintaining balance.
• You experience falls or are at risk of falling.
• You have hearing loss or ringing in the ears.
• Episodes become more frequent or severe.
• Symptoms cause anxiety or affect your quality of life.

Many people wait months before seeking help, assuming the symptoms will resolve on their own. However, early diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.

How Long Can a Vertigo Episode Last?

The duration of vertigo depends on the underlying cause.

Some episodes related to positional vertigo may last only a few seconds and are triggered by specific head movements. Other conditions may cause symptoms that persist for several hours or even days.

If dizziness lasts more than a few days, occurs frequently, or affects your daily activities, it is important to seek specialized evaluation.

How Does Dr. Angélica Rolong Diagnose Vertigo?

During the consultation, Dr. Angélica Rolong performs a comprehensive assessment to identify the cause of the symptoms.

The evaluation may include:

• Complete medical history.
• Analysis of symptoms and their duration.
• Identification of triggering factors.
• ENT examination.
• Vestibular system assessment.
• Additional diagnostic tests when necessary.

Every patient is different, so the diagnostic process is tailored to each individual case.

Can Vertigo Be Treated?

Yes. In many cases, vertigo can be effectively treated once the underlying cause is identified.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include:

• Vestibular repositioning maneuvers.
• Specific medications.
• Vestibular rehabilitation therapy.
• Management of associated medical conditions.
• Personalized recommendations to prevent recurrence.

Dr. Angélica Rolong emphasizes the importance of avoiding self-medication and obtaining a proper evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Do Not Ignore Frequent Dizziness

Recurring dizziness and vertigo should not be considered a normal part of life. When these symptoms occur repeatedly, they may indicate an underlying condition that requires specialized medical attention.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Angélica Rolong in Barranquilla

If you experience a spinning sensation, balance problems, frequent dizziness, or instability while walking, a specialized evaluation can help determine the cause and identify the most appropriate treatment for your condition.