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Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Blood Supply to the Brain, and Key Diagnostic Tests

Understanding Dizziness: Causes, Blood Supply to the Brain, and Key Diagnostic Tests

What Is Dizziness?

Dizziness is a common and often unsettling symptom that can feel like lightheadedness, imbalance, or spinning (vertigo). While occasional dizziness may result from mild dehydration or standing up too quickly, persistent or severe dizziness can signal an underlying vascular, neurological, or inner ear problem.
Understanding the cause is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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How Blood Is Supplied to the Brain

The brain receives oxygen and nutrients through two major arterial systems:

  1. Carotid Arteries – Found on each side of the neck, these arteries split into:

    • External carotid artery, which supplies the face and scalp

    • Internal carotid artery, which provides blood to the brain’s most vital areas

  2. Vertebral Arteries – These run along the spine and merge to form the basilar artery, delivering blood to the brainstem and cerebellum.

If these vessels become narrowed or blocked, blood flow to the brain decreases — potentially causing dizziness, confusion, vision problems, or even stroke.


Key Diagnostic Tests for Dizziness

Carotid Doppler Ultrasound

A noninvasive vascular ultrasound that evaluates blood flow in the carotid arteries. It helps detect:

  • Narrowing or blockages due to plaque buildup

  • Abnormal circulation patterns

  • Stroke risk indicators

Brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

A Brain MRI provides detailed images of brain structures and blood vessels. It helps identify:

  • Small strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)

  • Inner ear or brainstem disorders

  • Tumors, inflammation, or demyelinating diseases

At 14 Street Medical Arts, both tests are performed on-site, allowing for a comprehensive, same-day evaluation by our expert physicians.


Expert Dizziness Care at 14 Street Medical Arts

At 14 Street Medical Arts, our team of board-certified specialists provides advanced diagnostic and treatment services for dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders.
We combine cutting-edge imaging technology with personalized medical care — all in a patient-friendly setting.

Our services include:

  • On-site Carotid Doppler Ultrasound and Brain MRI

  • Same-day appointments and weekend hours

  • Comprehensive neurological and vascular evaluations

  • Prompt results and personalized care plans


Insurances Accepted at 14 Street Medical Arts

We accept most major insurance plans to make quality care accessible for every patient, including:

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

  • Cigna

  • EmblemHealth (GHI / HIP)

  • Empire BlueCross BlueShield

  • Fidelis Care

  • HealthFirst

  • MetroPlus

  • Medicare

  • Medicaid

  • Oxford Health Plans

  • UnitedHealthcare

  • WellCare

  • 1199SEIU Benefit Fund

If your insurance is not listed, please call our office — our friendly staff will verify your coverage and help you navigate your benefits.


Our Locations

14 Street Medical Arts proudly serves patients throughout Manhattan with multiple convenient locations:

  • 332 East 14th Street, New York, NY 10003

  • 110 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011

  • 500 East 14th Street, New York, NY 10009

  • 912 Columbus Avenue, New York, NY 10025

All locations are easily accessible by public transportation and offer extended hours for your convenience.


Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you experience frequent dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance, don’t wait — these symptoms may point to an underlying vascular or neurological issue.

BOOK APPOINTMENT ONLINE
Contact 14 Street Medical Arts to schedule your Carotid Doppler and Brain MRI today.
Our team is dedicated to helping you restore balance, ensure proper blood flow to your brain, and protect your long-term health.

Sabrina Wilbur, MD
‘
Cardiology
Dr Sabrina Wilber in a highly trained and experienced Cardiologist who is Board Certified by the American Board of...
Raphaela Gassanov, PA
‘Raphaela
Primary Care Doctor
PA Raphaela Gassanov is a highly trained and compassionate board-certified Physician Assistant who joined Medical Arts clinics...
Jeremie Rachunow, MD
‘
Primary Care Doctor, Family Medicine
Dr. Jeremie Rachunow is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Doctor who joined Medical Arts Centers to serve uptown and downtown...