Condition
Clinical term: Vestibular disorders
Vertigo and dizziness are common symptoms with many possible causes, including inner-ear conditions. Some people describe spinning, while others feel unsteady or off balance. ENT assessment helps determine whether symptoms are ear-related and what further management is appropriate.
Symptoms
Causes
BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) - tiny crystals in the balance organ of the inner ear shifting out of place, causing brief intense spinning triggered by head movement such as rolling over in bed.
A viral illness affecting the balance nerve, producing a prolonged episode of severe dizziness that typically improves over days to weeks as the brain adjusts.
Meniere's disease causing recurring attacks of vertigo lasting between twenty minutes and several hours, accompanied by ringing in the ear and fluctuating hearing loss.
Less commonly, a central cause arising from the brain or brainstem - important to exclude in patients with accompanying neurological symptoms such as double vision, weakness, or difficulty speaking.
Bhattacharyya N et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017;156(3 Suppl):S1-S47. NICE guideline CG124. 2014.
When to seek help
Seek medical review if vertigo is severe, recurrent, associated with hearing change, or affecting safe mobility. Emergency assessment is recommended for sudden neurological symptoms such as weakness, facial droop, severe headache, chest pain, or new speech difficulty.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the diagnosed cause and may include repositioning manoeuvres, vestibular exercises, medication strategies, hearing evaluation, and coordinated care with allied health or other specialists. A structured plan aims to reduce episode frequency and improve day-to-day stability.
Related procedures
Choosing your surgeon
Choosing the right specialist takes thought. Fellowship training, experience with the relevant condition, and contribution to teaching and research are all meaningful indicators. A public appointment at a tertiary hospital is another recognised marker of professional standing. Online reviews can be helpful, but they don't tell the whole story.