Best Hospital for Vertigo Treatment in Mumbai

Vertigo is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by a sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Vertigo can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life, affecting your daily activities, work, and social interactions.

If you are suffering from vertigo, you may be wondering where to find the best vertigo treatment in Mumbai. You may have tried various home remedies, medications, or exercises, but none of them seem to work for you. You may be frustrated and hopeless, thinking that there is no cure for your condition.

Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital offers the best vertigo surgery in Mumbai, as well as the top vertigo doctor in Mumbai. We are a Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, a multi-specialty hospital that provides comprehensive and personalized care for patients with vertigo and other ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders.

What is Vertigo?

Vertigo generally refers to a feeling of spatial disorientation, feeling that you are spinning or moving, or that the world is spinning around you.

Vertigo is not a disease, but a symptom of an underlying problem in the inner ear or the brain. The inner ear is responsible for maintaining your sense of balance and orientation, while the brain processes the signals from the inner ear and other sensory organs. When there is a disruption or dysfunction in either the inner ear or the brain, it can cause a mismatch between the signals, resulting in vertigo.

Vertigo can have a negative impact on your health and well-being, as it can interfere with your normal functioning and cause various complications. Some of the effects of vertigo include:

• Reduced mobility and increased risk of falls and injuries
• Impaired vision and hearing
• Anxiety, depression, and social isolation
• Cognitive impairment and memory loss
• Reduced productivity and performance at work or school
• Decreased quality of life and satisfaction

Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you experience vertigo, especially if it is severe, persistent, or recurrent. Vertigo can be a sign of a serious condition that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Characteristics of Vertigo

Vertigo is a sensation of spinning or dizziness, as if you or your surroundings are moving or rotating. It can be classified into two types: peripheral and central.

Peripheral vertigo is caused by a problem in the inner ear, such as an infection, inflammation, injury, or abnormality. It is the most common type of vertigo, accounting for about 90% of cases. Peripheral vertigo typically lasts for a few seconds to minutes, and is triggered by certain head movements or positions. It may also be associated with hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear fullness.

Central vertigo is caused by a problem in the brain, such as a stroke, tumor, multiple sclerosis, or migraine. It is less common than peripheral vertigo, but more serious and potentially life-threatening. Central vertigo usually lasts for longer periods, and is not affected by head movements or positions. It may also be accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as headache, vision changes, weakness, numbness, or speech difficulties.

Sensation of Dizziness and Spinning

The main characteristic of vertigo is a sensation of dizziness and spinning, which can vary in intensity, frequency, and duration. Some people may experience mild vertigo, which causes a slight feeling of unsteadiness or lightheadedness. Others may experience severe vertigo, which causes a strong feeling of spinning or whirling, as if they are on a merry-go-round or a roller coaster.

The sensation of vertigo can be subjective or objective. Subjective vertigo is when you feel that you are moving or spinning, while objective vertigo is when you feel that your surroundings are moving or spinning. Both types of vertigo can cause nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance.

Differentiating Vertigo from Other Balance Disorders

Vertigo is often confused with other balance disorders, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or disequilibrium. However, these terms are not synonymous, and have different meanings and causes. Here are some ways to differentiate vertigo from other balance disorders:

• Dizziness is a general term that describes a feeling of being unwell, woozy, or disoriented. It can be caused by various factors, such as low blood pressure, dehydration, medication side effects, or anxiety. Dizziness does not necessarily involve a sensation of spinning or movement.
• Lightheadedness is a feeling of faintness or near-fainting, as if you are about to lose consciousness. It can be caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure, blood sugar, or oxygen levels, or by standing up too quickly. Lightheadedness usually resolves after lying down or resting.
• Fainting is a temporary loss of consciousness, usually due to a lack of blood flow to the brain. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, such as heart problems, dehydration, anemia, or seizures. Fainting can be preceded by lightheadedness, blurred vision, or sweating.
• Disequilibrium is a feeling of instability or imbalance, as if you are about to fall or stumble. It can be caused by problems in the inner ear, the eyes, the muscles, or the joints. Disequilibrium can affect your gait, posture, and coordination.

What are the Causes of Vertigo?

Vertigo can be caused by various conditions that affect the inner ear or the brain. Some of the most common causes of vertigo include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (or BPPV) is the most common cause of vertigo, a false sensation of spinning, affecting about 25% of people with vertigo. It occurs when tiny calcium crystals (otoconia) detach from the inner ear and move into the semicircular canals, which are fluid-filled tubes that sense head movements. The crystals interfere with the normal flow of fluid in the canals, causing the brain to receive false signals about your head position. This results in a brief episode of vertigo, usually lasting for less than a minute, when you change your head position, such as when you lie down, sit up, turn over, or bend over.

BPPV can be triggered by various factors, such as aging, head trauma, ear infection, ear surgery, or prolonged bed rest. It can also occur spontaneously, without any apparent cause. BPPV is more common in older adults, especially women, and can recur over time. Though it is Benign but disabling for patient and main treatment is repositioning maneuver and reassurance rather than medications.

Medications

Certain medications, particularly those targeting the central nervous system or altering vestibular function, can induce vertigo as an adverse side effect. Examples include certain antibiotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and sedatives. It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional regarding potential medication-induced vertigo and explore alternative treatment options if necessary.

Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis

Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are inflammatory conditions that affect the vestibular nerve and the labyrinth, respectively. The vestibular nerve is the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain, while the labyrinth is the complex structure that houses the semicircular canals and the cochlea (the hearing organ). Both conditions are usually caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold, the flu, or herpes. They can also be caused by a bacterial infection, such as meningitis, syphilis, or Lyme disease.

Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis cause a sudden onset of severe vertigo, lasting for several hours to days, along with nausea, vomiting, and difficulty with balance. Labyrinthitis can also cause hearing loss, tinnitus, or ear pain, as it affects both the balance and the hearing functions of the inner ear.

Inner Ear Issues

Disorders of the inner ear represent one of the primary culprits behind vertigo. Inflammation or infection of the inner ear structures, such as the labyrinth or vestibular nerve, can disrupt the intricate balance mechanism, triggering sensations of dizziness and spinning.

Meniere’s Disease

Meniere’s disease is a chronic disorder that affects the inner ear, causing episodes of vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. The exact cause of Meniere’s disease is unknown, but it is believed to be related to an abnormal accumulation of fluid (endolymph) in the inner ear, which disrupts the normal pressure and function of the ear. The episodes of vertigo can last from 20 minutes to several hours, and can occur randomly, without any warning signs. The hearing loss can be fluctuating or progressive, and can affect one or both ears.

Meniere’s disease can affect anyone, but it is more common in adults between 40 and 60 years of age. It can also run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition. The severity and frequency of the symptoms can vary from person to person, and can be influenced by various factors, such as stress, diet, weather, or medication.

Head Injuries

Traumatic head injuries, such as concussions or skull fractures, pose a significant risk factor for vertigo. These injuries can directly damage the delicate structures of the inner ear or disrupt the brain's vestibular centers responsible for processing balance-related information. Consequently, individuals may experience persistent vertigo, dizziness, or imbalance following a head trauma, necessitating thorough evaluation and management.

By identifying and addressing the underlying causes of vertigo, the vertigo specialists at our hospital can devise the best vertigo treatment plans to alleviate symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.

Symptoms of Vertigo

The symptoms of vertigo can vary depending on the cause, type, and severity of the condition. However, some of the common symptoms of vertigo include:

Sensation of Spinning or Whirling

The main symptom of vertigo is a sensation of spinning or whirling, either of yourself or your surroundings. This can make you feel disoriented, confused, or nauseous. The sensation of vertigo can be triggered by certain head movements or positions, or it can occur spontaneously, without any apparent reason.

Nausea and Vomiting

Another common symptom of vertigo is nausea and vomiting, which are caused by the stimulation of the vestibular system and the vagus nerve. The vestibular system is the part of the inner ear that controls balance and motion, while the vagus nerve is the nerve that connects the brain to the digestive system. When the vestibular system is disrupted by vertigo, it can send signals to the vagus nerve, which can trigger nausea and vomiting. Nausea and vomiting can also be caused by the motion sickness that results from the mismatch between the visual and the vestibular inputs.

Difficulty with Balance and Coordination

Balance and coordination issues are also frequently associated with vertigo and are influenced by the vestibular system. Vertigo can affect the vestibular system, making it difficult to maintain posture, walking, and equilibrium. You may feel shaky, wobbling, or clumsy and have difficulty walking, standing, and sitting. You may also sustain falls, injuries, or accidents, particularly if you have other risk factors such as impaired vision, muscle weakness, or osteoporosis.

Diagnostic Tests for Vertigo

Diagnosing the root cause of vertigo involves a comprehensive evaluation encompassing various medical assessments and diagnostic tests tailored to uncover underlying conditions. Below are the key components of diagnosing vertigo:

Medical History

A meticulous review of the patient's medical history serves as the initial step in the diagnostic process. Healthcare providers delve into past medical conditions, medication use, recent illnesses, and any history of head trauma or inner ear disorders. This detailed inquiry aids in identifying potential triggers or predisposing factors contributing to vertigo episodes.

Physical Examination

Conducting a thorough physical examination is crucial for assessing the patient's overall health status and pinpointing any physical abnormalities related to balance and equilibrium. This examination typically includes a comprehensive neurological assessment to evaluate cranial nerve function, gait, coordination, and muscle strength. Additionally, specialized ear examinations, such as otoscopy and tympanometry, help assess the integrity of the ear structures and detect signs of inflammation or infection.

Balance Tests

A battery of balance tests is instrumental in gauging the patient's vestibular function and identifying potential impairments contributing to vertigo. Commonly employed balance assessments include the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, utilized to diagnose benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), and the Romberg test, which evaluates postural stability by assessing the patient's ability to maintain balance with eyes closed. These tests provide valuable insights into the nature and severity of vestibular dysfunction, guiding subsequent treatment strategies.

Imaging Tests

In certain cases, healthcare providers may order imaging studies to visualize the inner ear structures and rule out structural abnormalities within the vestibular system or brain. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans are commonly employed imaging modalities capable of capturing detailed images of the brain and inner ear anatomy. These imaging tests aid in identifying potential causes of vertigo, such as vestibular schwannomas, cerebellar lesions, or vascular abnormalities. By elucidating underlying structural anomalies, imaging studies contribute to accurate diagnosis and inform appropriate treatment interventions.

By integrating these diagnostic approaches, our vertigo surgeon in Mumbai can effectively identify the underlying etiology of vertigo and tailor management strategies to address the specific needs of each patient. Collaborative efforts between patients and healthcare professionals are paramount in navigating the diagnostic process and achieving optimal outcomes in vertigo management.

Best Vertigo Treatment in Mumbai

Based on the cause our doctors will decide the best vertigo treatment, also the type, and severity of the condition are taken into consideration. The treatment can be divided into two categories: symptomatic and curative.

Symptomatic treatment aims to relieve the symptoms of vertigo, such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptomatic treatment can include:

• Medications, such as antihistamines, antiemetics, benzodiazepines, or steroids, which can reduce the inflammation, the nausea, the vomiting, and the anxiety caused by vertigo.
• Dietary modifications, such as limiting salt intake, avoiding caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, or chocolate, and staying hydrated, which can prevent or reduce the fluid accumulation in the inner ear that can cause vertigo.
• Vestibular rehabilitation exercises, such as the Cawthorne-Cooksey exercises, the Brandt-Daroff exercises, or the gaze stabilization exercises, which can improve your balance and coordination by stimulating and retraining your vestibular system.

Curative treatment aims to eliminate the cause of vertigo, such as the crystals, the infection, the inflammation, or the tumor that can affect the inner ear or the brain. Curative treatment can include:

• Canalith repositioning procedures, such as the Epley maneuver, the Semont maneuver, or the barbecue roll, which can cure BPPV by moving the crystals out of the semicircular canals and into the vestibule, where they can be reabsorbed by the body.
• Surgery, such as the labyrinthectomy, the vestibular nerve section, or the endolymphatic sac decompression, which can treat severe or refractory cases of vertigo that do not respond to other treatments, such as Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or acoustic neuroma.

The best vertigo treatment in Mumbai is available at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, which is a multi-specialty hospital that provides comprehensive and personalized care for patients with vertigo and other ENT disorders. Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital has a team of highly qualified and experienced ENT specialists, neurologists,

Dietary Modifications for Vertigo Management

Dietary modifications can also help to manage the symptoms and the frequency of vertigo, especially for patients with Meniere’s disease, which is caused by an abnormal fluid accumulation in the inner ear. Some of the dietary modifications that can help to prevent or reduce vertigo include:

Limiting Salt Intake for Meniere’s Disease

Salt intake can affect the fluid balance in the body, as well as the pressure and the volume of the fluid in the inner ear. Excessive salt intake can cause fluid retention and swelling, which can worsen the symptoms of Meniere’s disease, such as vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. Therefore, limiting salt intake can help to reduce the fluid accumulation in the inner ear, and thus, reduce the severity and the frequency of vertigo.

The recommended daily intake of salt for adults is less than 2,300 mg, or about one teaspoon. However, for patients with Meniere’s disease, the recommended daily intake of salt is even lower, ranging from 1,000 to 1,500 mg, depending on the individual’s condition and response. To limit salt intake, patients with Meniere’s disease should:

• Avoid or reduce the consumption of processed, canned, or packaged foods, such as chips, crackers, soups, sauces, or meats, which are high in sodium.
• Avoid or reduce the use of table salt, soy sauce, ketchup, or other condiments, which can add extra sodium to the food.
• Choose fresh, natural, or low-sodium foods, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, or lean meats, which are low in sodium and rich in nutrients.
• Read the nutrition labels and choose the products that have less than 140 mg of sodium per serving, or 5% of the daily value.
• Use herbs, spices, lemon juice, vinegar, or other salt-free seasonings to enhance the flavor of the food, without adding sodium.

Hydration and Avoidance of Dehydration

Hydration and avoidance of dehydration are also important for maintaining the fluid balance and the function of the inner ear. Dehydration can cause a decrease in the blood volume and the blood pressure, which can affect the blood flow and the oxygen delivery to the inner ear. This can impair the function of the inner ear and cause vertigo, dizziness, or fainting. Therefore, staying hydrated and avoiding dehydration can help to prevent or reduce vertigo.

• Drink water regularly throughout the day, especially before, during, and after exercise, or when exposed to hot or humid weather.
• Drink water before feeling thirsty, as thirst is a sign of mild dehydration.
• Drink water instead of caffeinated, alcoholic, or sugary beverages, such as coffee, tea, beer, wine, or soda, which can cause dehydration and worsen the symptoms of vertigo.
• Eat foods that have high water content, such as fruits, vegetables, soups, or yogurt, which can provide hydration and nutrients.
• Monitor the urine color and volume, and aim for clear or pale yellow urine, which indicates adequate hydration.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Exercises

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises are a form of physical therapy that aims to improve the balance and the coordination of patients with vertigo, by stimulating and retraining the vestibular system. The vestibular system is the part of the inner ear that controls the balance and the motion, and it works together with the eyes, the muscles, and the joints, to maintain the posture, the gait, and the equilibrium. When the vestibular system is impaired by vertigo, it can cause problems with maintaining the stability and the orientation. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can help to restore the function and the adaptation of the vestibular system, and thus, reduce the symptoms and the recurrence of vertigo.

Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can be performed at home or at a clinic, depending on the individual’s preference and progress. The exercises can be done daily or several times a week, depending on the individual’s condition and response. The exercises can be challenging and uncomfortable at first, as they can provoke the vertigo and the nystagmus, but they can become easier and more effective over time, as the vestibular system adapts and compensates for the dysfunction. Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can provide significant benefits for patients with vertigo, such as:

• Reducing the intensity, the frequency, and the duration of vertigo
• Improving the balance, the coordination, and the mobility
• Enhancing the vision, the hearing, and the cognition
• Increasing the confidence, the independence, and the quality of life
• Decreasing the need for medications, surgery, or other treatments

Best Hospital Vertigo Surgery in Mumbai

For some patients with vertigo, the symptomatic and the curative treatments may not be enough to relieve their condition, or they may have contraindications or side effects to the treatments. In such cases, surgery may be an option to treat the cause of vertigo, such as the crystals, the infection, the inflammation, or the tumor that can affect the inner ear or the brain. Surgery can also be an option to treat the complications of vertigo, such as the hearing loss, the tinnitus, or the ear fullness.

The best vertigo surgery in Mumbai is available at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, which is a multi-specialty hospital that provides advanced and specialized care for patients with vertigo and other ENT disorders. Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital has state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment, such as the operating microscope, the endoscope, the laser, the collator, the micro debrider, the navigation system, and the intraoperative monitoring system, which can ensure the safety, accuracy, and the effectiveness of the surgery. Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital also has a team of highly qualified and experienced ENT surgeons, neurosurgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and technicians, who can perform various types of surgery for vertigo in Mumbai.

• Labyrinthectomy, which is a surgery that removes the labyrinth, the complex structure that houses the semicircular canals and the cochlea, in the inner ear. Labyrinthectomy can treat severe or refractory cases of vertigo that do not respond to other treatments, such as Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or labyrinthitis. Labyrinthectomy can eliminate the vertigo, but it can also cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus in the affected ear.
• Vestibular nerve section, which is a surgery that cuts the vestibular nerve, the nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. Vestibular nerve section can treat severe or refractory cases of vertigo that do not respond to other treatments, such as Meniere’s disease, vestibular neuritis, or acoustic neuroma. Vestibular nerve section can eliminate the vertigo, but it can also cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, or facial nerve damage in the affected ear.
• Endolymphatic sac decompression, which is a surgery that enlarges or drains the endolymphatic sac, the structure that regulates the fluid pressure and the volume in the inner ear. Endolymphatic sac decompression can treat moderate or recurrent cases of vertigo that are caused by an abnormal fluid accumulation in the inner ear, such as Meniere’s disease. Endolymphatic sac decompression can reduce vertigo, hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness, but it can also cause infection, bleeding, or leakage of the fluid in the inner ear.

Best Vertigo Doctor in Mumbai

We have the best vertigo doctor in Mumbai at Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital. He is a renowned ENT specialist with over years of experience in treating patients with vertigo and other ENT disorders. Our doctors are a qualified team of certified ENT surgeons.  Our vertigo doctors are proficient in diagnosing and treating vertigo using the latest practices and technologies. they can perform various diagnostic tests for vertigo, including the Dix-Hallpike maneuver, ENG or VNG tests, and other advanced assessments to diagnose and tailor treatment plans for each patient accurately.