Dizziness & Vertigo Care in Gurnee & Libertyville
Feeling unsteady, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning? Dizziness is one of the most common reasons people visit an ear, nose, and throat specialist—and it can come from a wide range of causes. Sometimes the inner ear sends mixed balance signals to the brain; other times, the cause lies in your vision, blood pressure, medications, dehydration, or even stress. At Lake County ENT, we take the time to identify the exact source of your symptoms and help you find steady ground again with clear testing and a plan you can feel confident about.
What it is
“Dizziness” can mean spinning (vertigo), imbalance, or lightheadedness. Inner-ear issues are common—but not the only cause.
Who it affects
All ages. Risks rise with recent ear infections, migraines, dehydration, low blood pressure, new medications, or head injury.
How we help
Targeted ear, hearing, and balance testing with personalized care—repositioning maneuvers, therapy, medications, and home guidance.
Not sure where your dizziness is coming from? We’ll help you pinpoint it and plan your next steps.
Common Symptoms
- Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Unsteadiness or veering while walking
- Lightheadedness or “about to faint” feeling
- Nausea, vomiting, or motion sensitivity
- Ear fullness, ringing, or hearing changes
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
Typical Causes
- BPPV: Loose crystals in the inner ear causing brief vertigo with head movement
- Vestibular neuritis/labyrinthitis: Inner-ear inflammation, often post-viral
- Menière’s disease: Episodes of vertigo with ear fullness, hearing changes, ringing
- Vestibular migraine
- Low blood pressure or dehydration
- Medication side effects, vision/neck issues, or neurologic conditions
When to call us: Reach out if dizziness lasts more than a day, keeps returning, follows an ear infection or head injury, or is paired with hearing changes or nausea.
Call 911 for sudden severe headache, fainting, chest pain, weakness or numbness on one side, trouble speaking, double vision, or new difficulty walking.
How We Diagnose It
Our Evaluation
We clarify whether you feel spinning, imbalance, or lightheadedness, then perform a focused ear, hearing, and neurologic exam.
- History & medication review
- Head & neck / ear exam
- Targeted balance screen
Tests We May Use
- Dix–Hallpike & positional testing: Checks for BPPV.
- Hearing tests: Audiogram & tympanometry for inner-ear function.
- Vestibular testing (VNG/ENG): Measures balance responses when indicated.
- Imaging or labs: Ordered selectively when signs suggest another cause.
Ready to get answers? Book a focused dizziness evaluation.
Treatment Options
First-Line & Lifestyle
- Canalith repositioning (Epley): Often rapid relief for BPPV.
- Lifestyle: Hydration, slow position changes, sleep optimization.
- Trigger management: Including migraine triggers when relevant.
- Vestibular rehabilitation: Retrains balance and reduces motion sensitivity.
Medications & Condition-Specific Care
- Short-term medications: For severe nausea/vertigo; used sparingly.
- Menière’s care: Low-sodium diet and/or diuretics as appropriate.
- Post-viral inner-ear care: Anti-inflammatory strategies when indicated.
- Follow-up: We review progress and fine-tune your plan together.
Let’s start treatment tailored to your cause of dizziness.
Helpful Tips at Home
Safety First
- Rise slowly from bed or chairs; pause before walking.
- Use handrails and good lighting to reduce fall risk.
- Avoid driving or climbing until symptoms improve.
Daily Habits
- Stay hydrated; limit alcohol and excessive caffeine.
- Sleep well and manage stress where possible.
- Keep a brief “dizziness diary” to spot patterns.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Visit Steps
- Listen & evaluate: We review your symptoms, medications, and history.
- Targeted exam: Comfortable ear, hearing, and balance testing.
- Plan together: Clear explanation of findings and next steps.
Good to Know
- Most visits are comfortable and completed in-office.
- Some conditions (like BPPV) can improve right away.
- We provide written guidance for home and work.
Questions about your symptoms? Talk to our team today.
FAQs
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Ready to feel steadier? We’ll help you find the cause and a plan that fits your life.