A Patient-Centered Approach in Tampa, FL

VERTIGO & DIZZINESS

Cutting Edge Testing And Solutions To Dizziness And Vertigo.

Do I Have Vertigo or Dizziness?

Dizziness/vertigo is one of the most frustrating things an individual may experience. It’s one thing to experience it for a few seconds, but many individuals have battled it for months or even years. Many individuals struggle to find answers and solutions, which is why you are here.

 

The very first thing is to properly define vertigo and dizziness.

 

Vertigo is often confused with dizziness. Vertigo refers to a spinning sensation in which the individual is spinning or feels the world is spinning around them. The spinning can be left, right, up, or down.

 

Causes of vertigo include debris in the inner ear, infections, stroke, traumatic brain injury, eye movement dysfunction, mal de debarquement, and even tumors.

 

Dizziness, on the other hand, makes people feel unsteady and may be described as a rocking side-to-side or back-to-back. Another form of dizziness is seen with motion sickness in which the brain does not appropriately process the incoming information. This can make it hard for an individual to be a passenger in a car, watch 3-D movies, or see rapidly moving images.

 

There are many things that may cause dizziness. Dizziness can be due directly to an insult to the brain or to changes in the body that negatively impact brain function. We will discuss this more below. 

 

Remember, even though dizziness is frustrating there are answers but it requires a thorough understanding of potential causes of dizziness and how our body balances. 

What Causes Dizziness

There are many things that may cause dizziness. Dizziness is a brain based issue. It can be directly due to an injury to the brain or to changes in the body that negatively impact the brain.

 

Here are 3 things that directly impact the brain:

 

  • Concussion
  • Long Covid or other infections
  • Stroke

Here are 6 things that contribute to dizziness:

 

  • Blood pressure high or low
  • Blood sugar high or low
  • Medications
  • Mold
  • Gluten
  • Thyroid

How We Balance

Balance and vertigo are controlled by the brain’s ability to process input from different body systems:

When one of these systems are off it provides the brain with bad information. The brains job is to take all of the information and provide a response of what the world is doing. This is why with vertigo or dizziness individuals will feel off balance, rocking, oscillating, or spinning sensations.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Vertigo And Dizziness

Common signs of a neurological condition may include persistent headaches, dizziness, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, balance issues, unexplained fatigue, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or visual disturbances. If these symptoms are ongoing or worsen over time, it’s important to seek a professional evaluation.

Neurological conditions can have far-reaching effects on the entire body, including the cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems. They can lead to chronic pain, impaired mobility, cognitive decline, and disruption in autonomic functions like heart rate and blood pressure. The interconnectedness of the nervous system with other bodily systems often makes these conditions complex and difficult to diagnose without thorough evaluation.

Dr. Spencer Zimmerman utilizes a variety of advanced diagnostic tools to identify and address the root causes of neurological and systemic conditions. These may include:

  • Functional Neurological Assessments: Comprehensive evaluations of brain and nervous system function to detect imbalances or dysfunction.
  • Autonomic Testing: Tests like heart rate variability and tilt-table testing to assess autonomic nervous system disorders such as POTS or Dysautonomia.
  • Vestibular Testing: Specialized diagnostics to evaluate balance and inner ear function, often used for conditions like vertigo and dizziness.
  • Comprehensive Blood Work: Advanced lab testing to identify markers of inflammation, autoimmune activity, or nutrient deficiencies that may impact neurological health.
  • Neuroimaging Referrals: MRI, CT scans, or other imaging studies as needed to rule out structural abnormalities or injury.
  • Gut-Brain Axis Assessments: Testing for microbiome health, food sensitivities, and digestive function to explore the connection between gut and brain health.
  • Cognitive and Neurobehavioral Testing: Assessments to evaluate memory, attention, and cognitive function, especially for conditions like concussions or Long COVID.

No, not all neurological conditions require medication. Dr. Zimmerman focuses on a holistic approach that may include non-invasive therapies, lifestyle modifications, nutritional guidance, and functional medicine. In many cases, medications can be avoided or minimized by addressing the underlying cause of the symptoms through natural interventions.

Many neurological conditions can be managed effectively, and in some cases, symptoms can be significantly improved or even resolved with appropriate treatment. For conditions like concussions, POTS, or chronic dizziness, Dr. Zimmerman uses a combination of therapies aimed at restoring optimal brain and body function. While some conditions may require ongoing management, the goal is always to improve quality of life and reduce dependence on medications.

Functional neurology plays a central role in Dr. Zimmerman’s approach by focusing on the brain and nervous system’s ability to adapt and heal. Through specialized therapies, functional neurology aims to improve the communication between the brain and body, often using non-invasive techniques like brain-based exercises, visual training, and vestibular rehabilitation. This helps restore function and reduce symptoms without relying solely on medication.

The timeline for seeing results from neurological treatments can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some patients begin to notice improvements within a few weeks, especially with conditions like concussions or POTS. 

Dr. Zimmerman tailors treatment plans to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring that progress is monitored regularly. While some conditions may require longer treatment periods, most patients experience some form of positive change in the early stages of care.

TESTIMONIALS

Genuine Experiences

At our dedicated doctor’s office, we take immense pride in the care and service we provide to our patients. Here, you can discover the genuine experiences and heartfelt feedback from those who have entrusted us with their health and well-being. These testimonials offer valuable insights into the compassionate and expert care that defines our practice. We are grateful for the trust our patients place in us and invite you to explore their stories, which reflect the exceptional standard of healthcare we aim to deliver every day.

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