What causes Vertigo and how to treat it?
Feeling like the room is spinning can be deeply unsettling. For many people, vertigo isn’t just a passing sensation, it can disrupt daily life, making simple movements feel unsafe or disorienting.
While it is often described as “dizziness”, vertigo is a more specific condition linked to the body’s balance system and usually has an identifiable cause.
What Causes Vertigo?
Vertigo most commonly arises from disturbances in the vestibular system, the part of the inner ear responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
One of the most common causes is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This occurs when tiny calcium crystals within the inner ear become displaced, sending incorrect signals to the brain and triggering brief spinning sensations, often when changing head position.
Other possible causes include inner ear inflammation (such as vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis), Ménière’s disease, which is linked to fluid imbalance, and vestibular migraine, where dizziness is associated with migraine activity. Less commonly, neurological conditions affecting balance pathways may also contribute.
Each of these conditions presents differently, which is why accurate diagnosis is essential.
“In many cases, careful clinical examination, including observing eye movements, can help us identify the cause of vertigo quite quickly” explains Dr Ho Eu Chin, ENT Specialist, The ENT Clinic
What Does Vertigo Feel Like?
Patients often describe vertigo as a sensation that the room is moving around them, even when they are completely still. It can feel like being on a boat or suddenly losing your footing, creating a sense of imbalance or disorientation. Some people find it difficult to focus their vision, while others experience nausea or a general sense of unsteadiness.
The experience can vary, for some it comes in brief episodes triggered by movement, while for others it may linger for hours or even days.
Why Getting the Right Diagnosis Matters
A common misconception is that vertigo is simply “just dizziness” that will resolve on its own. In reality, persistent or recurrent vertigo often has an underlying cause that can be identified and treated.
During an assessment, ENT specialists look at how symptoms are triggered, how long they last, and whether they are associated with other features such as hearing changes or headaches. Simple clinical tests, including observing eye movements or positional changes, can provide valuable clues.
Vertigo is a symptom, not a condition, identifying the cause is key to effective treatment.
Managing and Treating Vertigo
The good news is that most causes of vertigo are treatable, and many patients experience significant improvement once the underlying issue is addressed.
For BPPV, treatment may involve simple repositioning manoeuvres that help return displaced crystals to their correct position. These are often highly effective and can provide rapid relief.
For other vestibular conditions, management may include:
Vestibular rehabilitation exercises to retrain the brain and balance system
Medication to manage symptoms in selected cases
Lifestyle adjustments, particularly in patients with migraine-related vertigo
Recovery can vary depending on the cause. Some patients improve quickly, while others may require a longer period of rehabilitation, especially if symptoms have been present for some time.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
Occasional lightheadedness, such as when standing up too quickly, is common and usually not a cause for concern. However, it is important to seek medical advice if you experience:
Recurrent or severe spinning sensations
Vertigo triggered by head movements or position changes
Associated hearing loss or ringing in the ears
Visual disturbances, difficulty speaking, or problems with coordination
Early assessment allows for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, helping to prevent symptoms from worsening or recurring.
A Treatable Condition – With the Right Care
Vertigo can be distressing, but it is not something you have to live with. With the right evaluation and treatment, most patients are able to regain their balance, confidence, and quality of life.
Dr Ho is an ENT specialist at The ENT Clinic.
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