Ear
Dizziness and Balance Disorders
Dizziness may mean spinning, light-headedness or feeling unsteady. Vertigo specifically describes a false sensation of movement. These are symptoms rather than a single diagnosis. Assessment helps identify their cause and guide appropriate care.
What symptoms can occur?
You may feel that the room is moving, lose confidence when walking or feel close to falling. Nausea and blurred vision can accompany balance problems. Episodes may be brief, recurring or prolonged.
The timing, triggers and associated symptoms help distinguish different causes.
What can cause dizziness?
Inner-ear causes include:
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV): brief spinning episodes triggered by changes in head position, associated with displaced inner-ear crystals
- Vestibular neuritis: inflammation affecting the balance nerve
- Labyrinthitis: an inner-ear disorder that may also affect hearing
- Ménière’s disease: episodes of vertigo accompanied by hearing changes, tinnitus or ear fullness
Dizziness can also relate to migraine, blood-pressure changes, medicines or neurological conditions. Not every episode originates in the ear.
How are balance problems assessed?
Assessment includes symptom history, medication review and examination. Depending on the findings, the clinician may check eye movements, walking and balance, perform positional tests or arrange hearing and vestibular tests.
Imaging or referral to another specialty may be needed in selected cases.
What treatment options are available?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Confirmed BPPV may respond to a clinician-selected repositioning manoeuvre. Vestibular rehabilitation uses tailored exercises to support balance recovery.
Other conditions may require medication or management of an underlying problem. A manoeuvre suitable for one condition is not appropriate for every type of dizziness.
When is urgent help needed?
Seek emergency care for new dizziness or vertigo with:
- Difficulty speaking, facial drooping or limb weakness
- Double vision or loss of vision
- A sudden, severe headache
- Loss of consciousness
- Sudden hearing loss
Do not drive yourself or wait for a routine appointment or WhatsApp reply.
Severe vomiting or fever accompanying vertigo also requires prompt medical advice. Recurring or persistent symptoms should be assessed.
Staying safe during an episode
Sit down when dizziness starts and rise slowly when symptoms settle. Use support if you feel unsteady and keep pathways well lit. Avoid driving, climbing or operating machinery while dizzy.
For questions about dizziness and balance assessment or to arrange a consultation, please get in touch.
Get in TouchThis information is intended as a general guide and does not replace an individual medical assessment.
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