Dizziness and Vertigo Specialist in New York

At NY Neurology Associates, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dizziness, vertigo, and other vestibular disorders. Whether your symptoms are linked to benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, low blood pressure, or a neurological condition, our experienced team is here to help you maintain balance and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Topic at a Glance

  • Dizziness vs. Vertigo: Dizziness often feels like lightheadedness or faintness, while vertigo is a spinning sensation often linked to inner ear disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).
  • Causes of Dizziness and Vertigo: Common causes include low blood pressure, inner ear problems, low blood sugar, ear infections, migraines, and, in some cases, neurological disorders affecting the brain or vestibular system.
  • Diagnosis and Treatment: Evaluation may involve medical history, blood tests, imaging, and vestibular testing. Treatment typically addresses the root cause, whether it’s an ear infection, blood pressure imbalance, or a central nervous system condition.
  • At NY Neurology Associates in New York, we specialize in diagnosing and treating dizziness, vertigo, and other vestibular disorders.

Dizziness and vertigo can be unsettling symptoms that disrupt your balance, confidence, and daily routine. In this article, you’ll learn the difference between dizziness and vertigo, the most common underlying causes, and the advanced diagnostic and treatment options available to restore stability and peace of mind.

At New York Neurology Associates, our board-certified neurologists specialize in identifying the root cause of dizziness and developing personalized treatment plans to help you feel steady and secure again. Contact one of our offices in New York today to schedule an appointment. 

Dizziness vs. Vertigo

Though often used interchangeably, dizziness and vertigo describe different sensations. 

Dizziness is a general feeling of lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or imbalance—like you might faint or lose your footing. Vertigo, on the other hand, is the distinct sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning or moving when they’re not.

Because dizziness can result from a wide range of neurological, vestibular, or cardiovascular causes, accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.

Common Causes of Vertigo

Common causes of vertigo include the following:

  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): This condition is characterized by brief episodes of spinning. Head movement triggers this condition due to displaced crystals in the inner ear.
  • Vestibular Neuritis or Labyrinthitis: Caused by inflammation of the inner ear or vestibular nerve. It often follows a viral infection.
  • Migraine-Associated Vertigo (Vestibular Migraine): This includes dizziness or vertigo associated with migraine headaches, even without severe head pain.
  • Cerebellar or Brainstem Disorders: These include neurological conditions affecting balance and coordination centers in the brain (ie, stroke, multiple sclerosis)
  • As part of Post-Concussion Syndrome 

Common Causes of Dizziness

Common causes of dizziness include the following:

  • Orthostatic Hypotension: A sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, causing lightheadedness or faintness.
  • Autonomic Dysfunction / Dysautonomia: Irregular regulation of blood pressure and heart rate leading to dizziness, especially when upright.
  • Medication Side Effects or Metabolic Imbalances: Sometimes dizziness is linked to prescription drugs or systemic illness.
  • Cardiovascular Dysfunction 

Evaluation and Diagnosis

Every patient with dizziness undergoes a thorough, step-by-step assessment that may include:

  • Detailed Neurological and Vestibular History: A review of your symptoms, triggers, duration, and associated conditions (hearing loss, migraines, or vision changes).
  • Physical and Neurological Examination: An evaluation of gait, coordination, balance, and eye movements to localize the cause.
  • Dix-Hallpike Maneuver and Positional Testing: Bedside testing for positional vertigo (BPPV).
  • Videonystagmography (VNG): A specialized test that measures involuntary eye movements in response to visual and vestibular stimulation. It provides objective data about inner ear and brainstem function, helping pinpoint the source of vertigo or imbalance.
  • MRI or CT Imaging: Used when central (brain-related) causes of vertigo are suspected.

Treatment Options

Treatment for dizziness depends on its cause. Our neurologists create personalized care plans that may include:

  • Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): A specialized form of physical therapy that retrains the brain and inner ear to improve balance and reduce vertigo symptoms.
  • Medication Management: Certain conditions may require the following medications to relieve symptoms or address underlying causes:
    • Antivertigo medications (e.g., meclizine, diazepam) for acute episodes
    • Migraine-preventive medications for vestibular migraine, including Botox therapy
    • Corticosteroids for vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis
    • Blood pressure and volume-regulating agents for dysautonomia

When to See a Neurologist for Dizziness

You should seek a neurological evaluation if you experience:

  • Persistent or recurrent dizziness lasting more than a few days
  • Vertigo accompanied by headaches, vision changes, or hearing loss
  • Unsteady gait, falls, or loss of balance
  • Lightheadedness associated with heart palpitations or fainting
  • Numbness, slurred speech, or double vision (possible neurological emergency)
 

Early assessment can identify serious causes—such as stroke or multiple sclerosis—and lead to faster, more effective treatment.

Schedule a Dizziness & Vertigo Evaluation in New York

Dizziness can stem from inner ear disorders, migraines, autonomic dysfunction, or more serious neurological conditions, making an accurate diagnosis critical. At New York Neurology Associates, we provide comprehensive vestibular testing, advanced imaging when needed, and individualized treatment plans. 

Contact one of our offices in New York today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward lasting balance and symptom relief.

FAQs About Dizziness and Vertigo

Here are some common questions about dizziness and vertigo.

What is the difference between dizziness and vertigo?

Dizziness is a feeling of lightheadedness or of becoming faint. Vertigo is the sensation that the room is spinning around you.

While dizziness, vertigo, and other issues affecting balance can be alarming, they’re usually benign and due to an underlying issue like an ear infection or low blood pressure.

Diagnosis of dizziness and balance issues begins with a review of symptoms and a physical exam, accompanied by an in-depth medical history to look for risk factors and “clues.”

Because most dizziness and vertigo symptoms are related to underlying issues like ear infections, low blood pressure, or glucose imbalances, treating those issues typically helps resolve balance-related symptoms.

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